Cambridge ERA:AI Research Fellowship 2026 in the UK: Fully Funded AI Safety & Governance Programme with Salary and Global Mentorship

The Cambridge ERA:AI Research Fellowship 2026 is now open for applications, offering a highly competitive and fully funded opportunity for individuals worldwide to engage in cutting-edge research on artificial intelligence safety and governance.

Hosted in Cambridge, United Kingdom, this 10-week intensive research fellowship begins on July 6, 2026, and is designed to support emerging researchers, professionals, and innovators who are passionate about shaping the future of AI responsibly.

This programme stands out as a talent-first initiative, welcoming applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, with a strong emphasis on intellectual curiosity, commitment, and impact.

About the Cambridge ERA:AI Fellowship

The ERA:AI Fellowship is an immersive research programme focused on addressing the risks and challenges posed by advanced artificial intelligence systems. Fellows are selected globally and brought together in Cambridge to collaborate, research, and develop innovative solutions in AI safety and governance.

Participants work on independent or collaborative research projects under the guidance of experienced mentors and research managers, contributing to the growing body of knowledge in AI policy, safety, and technical development.

Fellowship Duration and Location

• Programme Duration: 10 weeks
• Start Date: July 6, 2026
• Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom

Fellows are based in a collaborative, residential environment, allowing for both academic focus and community engagement.

What the Fellowship Offers

The ERA:AI Fellowship provides extensive financial, academic, and professional support:

1. Financial Support

• Salary equivalent to £34,125 per year (prorated for 10 weeks)
• Fully covered accommodation in Cambridge
• Meal provisions during working hours
• Travel expenses covered
• Visa support

2. Expert Mentorship

• One-on-one guidance from experienced mentors
• Personalized research supervision
• Exposure to leading experts in AI safety and governance

3. Research and Career Development

• Support for publishing research in top journals and conferences (e.g., NeurIPS)
• Dedicated research management and project development support
• Opportunities to transition into AI research, policy, or governance careers

4. Community and Networking

• Immersive living-learning environment
• Shared workspace and collaborative research setting
• Regular social and professional networking events
• Access to a global network of AI researchers and organizations

Research Focus Areas

Fellows will work on research projects aligned with key themes in AI safety and governance, including:

• Technical AI Safety
• AI Governance
• Technical AI Governance

Participants are encouraged to explore innovative approaches to mitigating risks associated with frontier AI systems.

Who Can Apply

The ERA:AI Fellowship adopts a highly inclusive and flexible approach to eligibility:

• Open to applicants worldwide
• Must be 18 years or older
• No strict academic or professional prerequisites

Ideal Candidates Include:

• PhD students interested in AI safety
• Early-career researchers seeking specialization
• Professionals transitioning into AI policy or governance
• Individuals from diverse fields with unique perspectives on AI risks

The programme values talent, curiosity, and impact potential over traditional credentials.

Why You Should Apply

The Cambridge ERA:AI Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to:

• Work on high-impact AI safety and governance research
• Collaborate with global experts and peers
• Gain hands-on experience in one of the most critical fields of the future
• Build a strong foundation for careers in AI research, policy, or governance
• Join a global network of innovators shaping responsible AI development

Application Process

The application process consists of multiple stages:

1. Written Application

• Includes short essay questions
• Estimated completion time: approximately 2 hours

2. Interview – Round 1

• Top ~20% of applicants are invited
• Conducted in mid-April

3. Interview – Round 2

• Final shortlisted candidates invited
• References are contacted
• Conducted in late April

4. Final Offers

• Successful candidates receive offers
• Fellows are matched with mentors and supported in refining research projects

Application Timeline

• Application Deadline: April 12, 2026 (11:59 PM)
• Interviews: Mid to late April 2026
• Programme Start Date: July 6, 2026

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early due to the competitive nature of the programme.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application through the official portal:

Apply Here

Learn more about the Cambridge ERA:AI Research Fellowship 2026 HERE.

Click HERE to discover more global Fellowship opportunities on OFY.