Are you an early-career professional or aspiring researcher eager to make an impact in AI governance? The Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) is now accepting applications for its Winter Fellowship 2026, a prestigious three (03) months program designed to immerse individuals in cutting-edge research on the societal implications of advanced artificial intelligence.
Whether you’re from government, academia, industry, or civil society, this is your chance to work alongside global experts shaping the future of AI governance.
What is the Winter Fellowship?
The Winter Fellowship at GovAI is an immersive, full-time, in-person research experience in London, running from 19 January to 10 April 2026. Fellows are guided by expert mentors and encouraged to produce a high-impact output—such as a white paper, journal article, or policy brief—on a topic they help define within the field of AI governance.
Fellows will join a dynamic, international cohort, gaining valuable experience, professional connections, and deep domain insight into how humanity can safely navigate the AI revolution.
Eligibility Criteria
GovAI welcomes applicants from diverse professional and academic backgrounds, including:
- Disciplines: Political Science, Public Policy, Computer Science, Law, Philosophy, Economics, Sociology, History, and more
- Career stages: Early-career individuals or professionals shifting into AI governance
- Qualifications: No formal degree required, but many successful applicants have graduate study or relevant work experience.
Selection Criteria:
- Strong reasoning and clear written communication
- Demonstrated or potential expertise in relevant fields
- Sound judgement and ability to prioritize research
- Openness to feedback, intellectual rigor, and a passion for contributing to responsible AI development.
Fellowship Benefits
- Stipend: £11,000 for the 3-month period
- Travel Support: Assistance provided for travel to London
- Office Access: Dedicated desk at GovAI’s London office and weekday lunches
- Visa Sponsorship: Available for international applicants
- Networking & Learning: Access to seminars, workshops, social events, and expert-led Q&A sessions
- Mentorship: One-on-one supervision from leading researchers in the field
Note: For senior professionals with scheduling constraints, special accommodations may be discussed.
Research Focus
Fellows will:
- Explore the AI governance field during the first two weeks
- Develop a research proposal with support from their supervisor
- Produce a final output relevant to policymakers, researchers, or the broader public
- Engage in peer feedback, skills development sessions, and career guidance
Previous fellows have gone on to impactful roles in:
- Governments (US, UK, EU)
- Leading AI companies (OpenAI, DeepMind, Anthropic)
- Universities (Oxford, Cambridge)
- Think tanks (RAND, CSET).
Apply: https://www.governance.ai/post/winter-fellowship-2026
Application Timeline
The deadline to apply for the Winter Fellowship 2026 at the Centre for the Governance of AI is Sunday, 13 July 2025 at 23:59 BST. Shortly after the application deadline, selected candidates will be invited to complete an automated assessment in July 2025.
Those who progress will move on to paid remote work tests scheduled for August 2025. Final-stage interviews will take place in September 2025, and offer decisions will be communicated to successful applicants by October 2025.
