Are you passionate about shaping the future of artificial intelligence and its impact on society? The GovAI Winter Fellowship 2026 in London, UK is a fully funded, prestigious opportunity designed for individuals eager to contribute to the evolving field of AI governance. Whether you are early in your career or a professional transitioning into this space, this three-month fellowship provides an ideal platform to explore critical questions about AI’s long-term implications, conduct original research, and connect with global experts.
Applications are now open, with the deadline set for Sunday, 13 July 2025. This program offers a unique chance to collaborate with thought leaders, gain practical experience, and contribute to influential research in AI governance.
What Is the GovAI Winter Fellowship?
The GovAI Winter Fellowship 2026 is a three-month, fully funded research program hosted by the Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) in London. It is part of GovAI’s broader mission to help humanity navigate the transition to a world increasingly shaped by advanced artificial intelligence. Fellows work on independent research projects related to AI governance, supported by GovAI’s experienced team and affiliate network.
This fellowship is designed for those seriously considering using their careers to study or influence the long-term implications of AI development and deployment. It offers both deep academic engagement and real-world impact.
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Fellowship Structure and Goals:
1. Independent Research and Mentorship:
Fellows are expected to lead an independent research project on a topic of their choice within the field of AI governance. Each fellow is paired with a supervisor from the GovAI team or its extended network. During the first two weeks, fellows explore the AI governance landscape and finalize a research proposal in collaboration with their supervisor.
Potential research outputs include:
● Research reports.
● White papers.
● Academic journal articles.
● Op-eds.
● Blog posts.
These outputs are aimed at audiences that influence or engage with AI governance, including policymakers, academics, and industry stakeholders.
2. Professional Development and Networking:
In addition to research, fellows benefit from a structured program designed to build relevant skills and foster a strong community:
● Q&A sessions with AI governance experts.
● Workshops and seminars to enhance subject-matter expertise.
● Work-in-progress meetings for feedback and peer learning.
● Social events to build connections and encourage collaboration
GovAI also supports fellows in identifying and exploring career opportunities in AI governance following the program.
3. Qualifications and Selection Criteria:
The Winter Fellowship welcomes applications from candidates with diverse academic and professional backgrounds. GovAI encourages applicants with experience in:
● Public policy and political science.
● Computer science and engineering.
● Philosophy, ethics, and sociology.
● Economics, law, and history.
● Government, academia, or civil society.
There are no formal educational requirements, although many successful applicants have graduate-level training, research experience, or professional backgrounds related to AI governance.
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Fellowship Duration, Stipend, and Location:
The Winter Fellowship runs for three months, from 19 January to 10 April 2026, and takes place in person at the GovAI office in London, UK.
● Stipend: £11,000 for the full duration of the program.
● Travel Support: Additional funding is available to cover travel to London.
● Office Resources: Fellows receive a dedicated desk and free weekday lunches.
● Visa Sponsorship: GovAI can sponsor 3-month temporary UK work visas.
Applicants requiring a visa must remain in their country of application while the visa is processed. GovAI is committed to supporting all successful candidates through this process.
For senior professionals or academics who may face challenges with the full-time, in-person format, GovAI is occasionally able to make accommodations. If this applies to you, email recruitment@governance.ai with the subject line “senior candidate winter fellowship 2026”, and include a copy of your CV and a brief explanation of your situation.
About GovAI
Founded in 2018, the Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) is a leading research institute focused on ensuring that advanced artificial intelligence systems benefit humanity. GovAI was one of the first organizations to publish a research agenda for the field, helping to define and shape the emerging discipline of AI governance.
GovAI Researchers have:
● Advised governments, companies, and civil society organizations.
● Published in top journals and conferences like Science, FAccT, and NeurIPS.
● Gone on to roles at DeepMind, OpenAI, Anthropic, RAND, CSET, and top universities.
GovAI Team and its Affiliates Bring Interdisciplinary Expertise in areas such as:
● AI regulation and technical governance.
● Corporate governance for AI companies.
● Threat modeling and safety forecasting.
● International relations, especially US-China dynamics.
This makes the Winter Fellowship not only a research opportunity but also a launching pad for a meaningful career at the intersection of AI, policy, and global impact.
GovAI evaluates candidates based on the following qualities:
● Quality of work: Strong reasoning, clear writing, and the ability to produce insightful and fair-minded research.
● Relevant Expertise: Skills and knowledge applicable to AI governance, including both technical and non-technical domains.
● Judgement: Ability to prioritize research goals and assess the feasibility and impact of proposed projects.
● Team Fit: Openness to feedback, intellectual honesty, collaboration, and a demonstrated commitment to contributing meaningfully to the field of AI governance.
Application Process:
The application process is structured in three stages:
● Written Submission (Initial Round): Applicants submit a written statement outlining their interest and relevant experience.
● Automated Assessment: Selected applicants will complete a 20-minute automated test.
● Paid Remote Work Test: Successful candidates from the second round will undertake a short paid work sample.
● Final Interview: Top candidates will be invited to a remote interview.
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Application Timeline:
● July 2025: Automated assessments sent shortly after submission.
● August 2025: Paid work tests administered.
● September 2025: Interviews conducted.
● October 2025: Final decisions communicated.
GovAI encourages applicants from all over the world and is committed to a culture of inclusion. The organization welcomes individuals of all races, genders, ages, religions, and backgrounds, and particularly encourages those who may not see themselves as a “perfect fit” to apply regardless.
Conclusion:
The GovAI Winter Fellowship 2026 is an exceptional opportunity for individuals interested in shaping the future of AI governance. With full funding, dedicated mentorship, and a collaborative in-person experience in London, this fellowship equips you to contribute impactful research while building lasting connections in a growing field. Whether your background is in public policy, computer science, philosophy, law, or another related area, GovAI invites you to apply and help steer the responsible development of artificial intelligence. So to apply and know more visit the GovAI Winter Fellowship 2026 official link here.