Cambridge Digital Minds Fellowship 2026 in the United Kingdom: Fully Funded AI Consciousness & AI Ethics Research Programme at the University of Cambridge

The Cambridge Digital Minds Fellowship 2026 is a highly selective, fully funded residential research programme hosted at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. Organized within the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence at the Institute for Technology and Humanity, the fellowship focuses on one of the newest and fastest-growing frontiers in artificial intelligence research: digital minds, AI consciousness, and AI welfare.

The seven-day programme runs from 3–9 August 2026 at Jesus College Cambridge and admits only 15 fellows globally. Participants also attend the Digital Minds Strategy Workshop, a two-day gathering of researchers, policymakers, and industry practitioners working on the societal implications of advanced AI systems.

Understanding the Purpose of the Digital Minds Fellowship

Artificial intelligence research has historically concentrated on performance, safety, and governance. However, recent technological developments have introduced deeper philosophical and ethical questions: can AI systems have experiences, interests, or moral status?

This emerging research domain is referred to as digital minds.

Because this field is still developing, it lacks standardized career paths, clear research agendas, and structured training opportunities. The Cambridge Digital Minds Fellowship is specifically designed to address these gaps by equipping participants with both technical understanding and philosophical reasoning.

The programme helps participants:

• Understand modern AI cognition and architectures

• Evaluate consciousness and moral status frameworks

• Identify long-term societal risks and opportunities

• Design research agendas and interventions

• Build an interdisciplinary research network

Fully Funded Benefits

Selected fellows receive comprehensive support covering all major participation costs and professional development resources.

Financial and Logistical Support

• Full travel funding to Cambridge

• Accommodation at Jesus College Cambridge

• £1,000 stipend (approximately $1,366)

• Access to exclusive research workshops

• Direct engagement with leading experts

Professional Development Advantages

• Personal mentorship from a field specialist

• Participation in the Digital Minds Strategy Workshop

• Exposure to policymakers and researchers

• Long-term collaboration opportunities

• Structured project development support

Programme Structure

The fellowship combines lectures, collaborative exercises, group discussions, and project design sessions across three structured modules.

Module 1: Philosophical and Technical Foundations (2 Days)

Led by Derek Shiller (Rethink Priorities), this module introduces the technical workings of modern AI alongside philosophical frameworks for assessing consciousness.

Participants will explore:

• Transformer and large language model architectures

• Cognitive implications of current AI systems

• AI welfare intervention theories

• Core uncertainties in digital minds research

By the end, fellows can analyze real AI systems using philosophical criteria of moral status.

Module 2: Societal Implications and Strategy (2 Days)

Led by Lucius Caviola (University of Cambridge), this module examines long-term consequences of advanced AI and how society should respond.

Participants learn:

• Scenario planning for AI futures through 2100

• Identification of major societal risks

• Designing interventions and policies

• Public communication strategies

A major exercise involves building future scenarios and proposing practical responses.

Module 3: Project Scoping and Career Planning (1 Day)

The final module focuses on turning ideas into concrete research agendas.

Participants will develop:

• Clear research questions

• Feasible implementation plans

• Impact pathways

• Collaboration strategies

Each fellow leaves with a structured project roadmap.

Pre-Programme Preparation Phase

Preparation begins before arrival in Cambridge.

Required Online Course

Participants must complete the Digital Minds online course or demonstrate familiarity with foundational literature to ensure deeper in-person discussions.

Mentor Pairing

Each fellow is paired with a mentor at least one month before the programme to:

• Discuss research interests

• Identify project directions

• Prepare initial research ideas

Digital Minds Strategy Workshop

Following the five-day fellowship, participants attend a two-day strategy workshop with global experts. Fellows present ideas, receive feedback, and expand their professional network.

Who Should Apply

The programme targets individuals capable of contributing to digital minds research across academic, policy, and industry domains.

Graduate Students and Researchers

Philosophy, AI, computer science, and related academic researchers working near AI ethics or consciousness.

Professionals

Individuals in government, policy, or technology sectors transitioning toward advanced AI governance.

Exceptional Early-Career Individuals

Highly motivated candidates with demonstrated ability even without advanced academic positions.

Application Deadline

27 March 2026

Click HERE to apply

Find more information about the Cambridge Digital Minds Fellowship 2026 HERE.

Discover more fellowship opportunities on OFY Here.