Fellowship Opportunities in AI, Governance, Political Economy, and Computer Science (2026–2027)
This post brings together several international fellowship and doctoral opportunities for researchers, practitioners, and early-career professionals working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, governance, political economy, and advanced computing. Opportunities range from short-term paid research fellowships to year-long development programmes and fully funded PhD positions.
1. MIRI Technical Governance Team Research Fellowship (2026)
Description
The Machine Intelligence Research Institute (MIRI) Technical Governance Team will run a small, intensive research fellowship in early 2026 focused on technical and political aspects of AI governance and existential risk. The fellowship lasts eight weeks and is designed both to advance high-priority research and to identify potential full-time hires for the team.
The programme is remote by default, with an in-person kickoff week in Berkeley, California. Fellows will spend the first week selecting or designing a scoped research project aligned with MIRI’s technical governance agenda, followed by seven weeks of guided research.
Benefits
- Stipend of USD 1,200 per week for eight weeks
- Flights and housing provided for the in-person kickoff week in Berkeley
- Full-time research experience with mentorship from the MIRI Technical Governance Team
- Opportunity to be considered for future full-time roles
Requirements
- Strong interest in existential risk and AI governance
- Prior experience in research, policy, or related analytical work
- Ability to work independently for extended periods
- Availability to work full-time (40 hours per week)
- Applicants must already have the right to work remotely; visa sponsorship is not available
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the online application form (estimated 45–60 minutes). Applicants should indicate their availability; fellowship dates will be set individually.
Deadline
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The fellowship will take place during an eight-week period starting after 2 February 2026 and ending before 31 August 2026.
2. PhD Fellowship in Human-Centric Explainable Natural Language Understanding
University of Copenhagen, Department of Computer Science
Description
The University of Copenhagen invites applications for a fully funded PhD fellowship in Human-Centric Explainable Natural Language Understanding. The position is part of an interdisciplinary research project on explainable retrieval-augmented large language models, funded by the Independent Research Foundation Denmark.
The PhD candidate will define their own research project within the scope of explainable NLP and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers.
Benefits
- Full-time salaried PhD position (up to three years)
- Employment under Danish academic collective agreements
- Access to a leading international NLP research environment
- Opportunities for international collaboration and research stays
- Structured PhD training, courses, and supervision
Requirements
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science or a related field
- Background or experience in machine learning or natural language processing
- Strong written and spoken English
- Research interest in explainable and interpretable NLP
- Ability to conduct independent, high-quality research
How to Apply
Applicants must submit an online application including a cover letter, research statement, CV, degree certificates and transcripts, publication list (if available), and contact details for three referees.
Deadline
1 February 2026, 23:59 (GMT+1)
Expected start date: 1 September 2026
3. Oskar Morgenstern Fellowship (2026–2027)
Description
The Oskar Morgenstern Fellowship is a competitive, one-year, online fellowship for graduate students, scholars, and practitioners interested in political economy and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. The programme introduces fellows to key traditions in political economy and their relevance to contemporary questions of technology, governance, and institutional design.
Fellows participate in online seminar-style colloquia across three weekends during the academic year.
Benefits
- Total award of up to USD 2,250
- Access to curated readings and seminar discussions
- Engagement with a network of scholars and practitioners in political economy
- Professional development and academic networking opportunities
Requirements
Applicants must be one of the following:
- A graduate student researching emerging technologies and AI
- An active scholar teaching or researching AI and emerging technologies
- A practitioner working in research or policy related to AI and emerging technologies
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the online application and confirm eligibility. Additional details and FAQs are available through the fellowship administrators.
Deadline
15 March 2026
Decisions will be announced approximately twelve or more weeks after the deadline.
4. Foresight Fellowship – 2027 Cohort
Description
The Foresight Fellowship is a year-long programme supporting early-career scientists, engineers, and innovators working on transformative science and technology. The fellowship focuses on building networks, mentorship, and visibility for individuals advancing ambitious, high-impact ideas.
There is no minimum work requirement; the programme is designed to be flexible and tailored to fellows’ goals.
Benefits
- Mentorship from senior researchers and domain experts
- Introductions to funders and influential figures in science and technology
- Paid travel to technical workshops and a flagship conference
- Participation in seminar groups and opportunities to present work
- Career counselling and long-term alumni network membership
Requirements
- Strong track record or demonstrated excellence in a relevant technical or scientific field
- Alignment with Foresight Institute focus areas (e.g. secure AI, longevity biotech, nanotechnology, neurotechnology, existential risk and opportunity)
- Ambitious vision with potential for significant societal impact
- Commitment to professional growth and collaboration
How to Apply
Applicants must submit an application outlining their background, achievements, and future vision. Selection is competitive and based on technical excellence and alignment with programme goals.
Deadline
Applications are open for the 2027 cohort. Specific deadlines should be confirmed on the official Foresight Fellowship website.
These fellowship and doctoral opportunities offer diverse pathways into advanced research, governance, and policy work related to artificial intelligence, political economy, and emerging technologies. Opportunities range from short-term paid research fellowships and voluntary career-transition programmes to fully funded PhD positions and year-long development fellowships. Together, they provide strong options for individuals seeking to deepen expertise, build research portfolios, and contribute to shaping the future governance and societal impact of advanced technologies.
For more opportunities, click here.
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