The Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) is accepting applications for its Winter Fellowship 2026, a three-month, full-time program for individuals interested in pursuing careers in AI governance. The fellowship runs from 19 January to 10 April 2026 in London, UK, and is designed for early-career professionals and experienced individuals transitioning into the AI governance field.
GovAI seeks candidates who are seriously considering dedicating their careers to studying or shaping the long-term societal impacts of advanced AI systems. Applications are open internationally and must be submitted by 23:59 BST on Sunday, 13 July 2025.
About GovAI
Founded in 2018, GovAI works to support humanity’s transition to a world with increasingly capable artificial intelligence. It has been instrumental in shaping the field of AI governance and has published influential research on AI regulation, technical governance, threat modeling, corporate accountability, and global coordination.
GovAI researchers have advised policymakers in the U.S., UK, EU, and beyond, and have published in top-tier journals such as Science, NeurIPS, and FAccT. Alumni of the organization have moved on to impactful roles at institutions including DeepMind, OpenAI, Anthropic, RAND, CSET, and leading academic institutions like Oxford and Cambridge.
Fellowship Structure
Fellows conduct independent research on a topic of their choosing, with guidance from a mentor selected from GovAI’s team or affiliate network. During the first two weeks, fellows explore the AI governance landscape and develop a focused research proposal. Deliverables may include a white paper, blog post, academic article, or policy memo aimed at relevant stakeholders.
Fellows also participate in a structured program of seminars, skill-building workshops, Q&A sessions with domain experts, and peer feedback meetings. GovAI provides support throughout the fellowship, including assistance in refining research direction, networking, and exploring career opportunities.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
GovAI encourages applicants from a wide range of professional and academic backgrounds. Relevant fields include, but are not limited to:
- Political science
- Public policy
- Computer science
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- History
- Law
There are no strict degree requirements. However, successful candidates often have graduate-level education or equivalent professional or research experience.
Applications will be evaluated based on the following core criteria:
- Quality of Work: The ability to produce clearly written, insightful, and well-reasoned research.
- Relevant Expertise: Subject-matter knowledge or transferable skills applicable to AI governance.
- Judgment: Strong prioritization skills and the capacity to assess research feasibility.
- Team Fit: A commitment to intellectual honesty, openness to feedback, and collaborative working style.
GovAI particularly welcomes applications from individuals from underrepresented or nontraditional backgrounds.
Compensation and Logistics
The fellowship is a full-time, in-person position based in London, UK. Fellows will receive a stipend of £11,000, along with support for travel costs. GovAI also provides weekday lunches and office space.
Visa sponsorship is available for those requiring a short-term UK work visa. Applicants needing visas must be prepared to remain in their country of residence while the visa is processed. For senior professionals or academics who may require flexibility, GovAI may consider accommodations on a case-by-case basis. Interested individuals should contact [email protected] with the subject line: Senior Candidate Winter Fellowship 2026.
Application Process
The application process is structured into several stages:
- Written Submission: Initial application, including CV and written responses.
- Automated Assessment: A 20-minute online task for selected candidates.
- Paid Work Test: Remote project conducted in August.
- Interview: Final candidates will be invited to remote interviews in September.
Final decisions will be communicated in October 2025. Applicants requiring an earlier decision may contact the team to request an expedited timeline (though this cannot be guaranteed).
GovAI accepts applications from around the world and is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive research community. It strongly encourages all qualified candidates to apply, even if they are unsure whether they meet every criterion.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via the official website by 13 July 2025, 23:59 BST.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
