Summary
The Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) is inviting applications for the GovAI Research Fellows Program 2026. This fully funded, two-year renewable fellowship is aimed at experienced researchers worldwide who wish to conduct high-impact, independent research on AI governance. Fellows will contribute to solving critical policy, economic, and technical challenges associated with frontier AI, helping guide decision-makers, governments, and organizations toward responsible AI development.
- 🌍 GovAI Research Fellows Program 2026 is a fully funded, 2-year renewable fellowship for experienced researchers from all nationalities, hosted by the Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) in the UK and USA.
- 🤖 The fellowship supports independent research on AI governance, helping governments, organizations, and policymakers address challenges posed by advanced AI.
- 🏛️ Fellows contribute through policy papers, academic publications, strategic advice, blog posts, mentoring junior researchers, and shaping GovAI’s research agenda.
- 💰 Financial benefits include a competitive salary (£84,000–£103,500 in London or $134,500–$170,000 in Washington, DC), visa sponsorship (UK), health insurance, pension contributions, paid leave, childcare and professional development budgets, flexible work, remote work support, and parental leave.
- 📚 Research areas include AI Governance, AI Risk Management, AI Safety, Technical AI Governance, AI Economics, Public Policy, Geopolitics of AI, Threat Modeling, and Strategic Policy Research.
- 🎯 Key responsibilities include designing research projects, publishing impactful work, advising decision-makers, organizing research events, mentoring scholars, and collaborating on GovAI’s long-term research strategy.
- ✅ Eligibility: Open to researchers with a strong record of impactful research, expertise in AI governance or related fields, the ability to work independently and collaboratively, and an interest in mentoring. No formal degree requirement.
- 📅 Application deadline: 16 August 2026.
- 💻 How to apply: Submit an online application through the official GovAI website before the deadline.
Designation
- Position: Research Fellow
Program Summary Table
| Key Detail | Program Specifics |
| Host Organization | Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) |
| Designation | Research Fellow |
| Duration | 2 Years (Renewable) |
| Funding Status | Fully Funded |
| Salary Range | London: £84,000 – £103,500 Washington, DC: $134,500 – $170,000 |
| Eligible Nationalities | Open to all nationalities |
| Locations | UK (London) & USA (Washington, DC) |
| Application Deadline | 16th August 2026 |
Research Area
Fellows can focus their work on key areas including:
- AI Risk Management
- AI Governance
- Technical AI Governance
- Public Policy & Strategic Policy Research
- AI Economics
- Geopolitics of AI
- Threat Modeling
- AI Safety
Location
- London, UK: Visa sponsorship available.
- Washington, DC, USA: Visa sponsorship available under exceptional circumstances.
Eligibility / Qualification
- Track Record: A proven history of conducting high-quality, impactful research.
- Domain Knowledge: Demonstrated expertise in AI governance or a related field.
- Collaboration & Independence: Ability to conduct self-directed research as well as collaborate within a multi-disciplinary network.
- Mentorship: Interest in guiding and mentoring junior scholars and seasonal fellows.
- Background: Open to applicants with experience across academia, government, industry, or civil society.
- Degree Requirement: No formal degree requirements are mandated.
Job Description
- Develop and execute independent, high-impact research plans.
- Author scholarly publications, policy documents, blog posts, and strategic recommendations.
- Deliver strategic advice to governments, industry leaders, and policy decision-makers.
- Organize research seminars, workshops, and academic events.
- Mentor seasonal fellows and junior research scholars.
- Collaborate with the broader network to shape GovAI’s strategic research agenda.
How to Apply
Candidates can complete and submit their online application by accessing the official portal via the GovAI Research Fellows Program 2026 listing.
Last Date for Apply
- Deadline: 16th August 2026
