GovAI UK Winter Fellowship 2027 (Research Track): Fully Funded AI Governance Fellowship in London with £12,000 Salary, Visa Support, Expert Mentorship, and Global Career Opportunities

Applications are now open for the highly prestigious GovAI UK Winter Fellowship 2027 (Research Track), an intensive three-month fellowship designed for aspiring and established researchers, policy professionals, academics, and analysts who want to contribute to one of the most important policy challenges of the 21st century: the governance of advanced artificial intelligence.

Organized by the Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI), this competitive fellowship provides participants with a unique opportunity to conduct independent AI governance research, receive mentorship from world-leading experts, engage directly with policymakers and practitioners, and become part of one of the most influential professional networks in the rapidly growing field of AI governance.

Selected fellows will spend three months in London, United Kingdom, conducting research on AI policy and governance topics while receiving a salary of £12,000, travel support, professional development opportunities, and access to GovAI’s extensive network of researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society experts.

For individuals interested in shaping the future of artificial intelligence policy, global governance frameworks, risk management systems, and emerging technology regulation, the GovAI Winter Fellowship represents an exceptional opportunity to accelerate their careers and contribute meaningful insights to one of the world’s most important emerging fields.

About GovAI

The Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) was established to help governments, institutions, and decision-makers successfully navigate the transition to a world increasingly shaped by advanced artificial intelligence.

Since its founding, GovAI has become one of the leading organizations in the field of AI governance, producing influential research and developing talent that contributes to policymaking across governments, academia, industry, and civil society.

The organization focuses on producing rigorous, evidence-based research that helps policymakers understand and respond to the opportunities and risks associated with advanced AI systems.

GovAI researchers have published work in some of the world’s most respected academic journals, including:

• Science
• Nature

The organization also works closely with decision-makers across:

• National governments
• International organizations
• Technology companies
• Think tanks
• Universities
• Civil society organizations

The Impact of the GovAI Network

One of the strongest aspects of the fellowship is access to GovAI’s highly influential professional network.

Former GovAI researchers and fellows have gone on to work in significant positions across:

Government

Including roles within:

• United States Government
• United Kingdom Government
• European Union institutions

Leading AI Companies

Including organizations such as:

• OpenAI
• DeepMind
• Anthropic

Top Think Tanks

Including:

• RAND Corporation
• Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET)

Leading Universities

Including:

• Oxford University
• University of Cambridge

This extensive network creates valuable pathways for fellows interested in future careers in AI policy, governance, research, regulation, and strategy.

What Is the GovAI Winter Fellowship Research Track?

The Research Track is designed for individuals who want to develop expertise through original research while building a deeper understanding of AI governance.

Unlike traditional fellowships that assign fixed projects, GovAI allows fellows to pursue independent research projects aligned with their interests and expertise.

Each fellow receives individualized mentorship and guidance while maintaining substantial ownership over their work.

The fellowship combines:

• Independent research
• Expert mentorship
• Professional development
• Networking opportunities
• Policy engagement
• Career exploration

This structure allows participants to develop both technical and strategic expertise in AI governance.

What Fellows Will Do

During the fellowship, participants will engage in a variety of activities designed to strengthen their research capabilities and understanding of AI governance.

Conduct Independent Research

Each fellow will undertake a research project on a topic of their choosing.

Research projects may focus on areas such as:

• AI governance
• Frontier AI regulation
• AI safety
• AI risk management
• International cooperation
• AI economics
• Agent governance
• AI forecasting
• Cybersecurity policy
• Biosecurity governance
• Geopolitical implications of AI
• US-China technology relations

Develop Research Outputs

Research may result in:

• Policy reports
• White papers
• Journal articles
• Policy briefs
• Opinion editorials
• Blog articles
• Public-facing analyses

The final output will depend on the project’s goals and target audience.

Work with Experienced Supervisors

Each fellow is paired with a dedicated supervisor from GovAI or its professional network.

Supervisors provide:

• Project guidance
• Research feedback
• Career advice
• Strategic direction
• Publication support

Explore AI Governance During the First Two Weeks

The fellowship begins with an intensive exploration period.

Participants spend their initial weeks:

• Understanding AI governance landscapes
• Identifying research gaps
• Evaluating policy priorities
• Developing project proposals
• Receiving feedback from experts

This helps fellows refine their research questions before fully committing to a project.

Professional Development Opportunities

Beyond research, the fellowship offers extensive professional development programming.

Expert Q&A Sessions

Participants engage directly with leading experts in:

• Artificial intelligence
• Public policy
• National security
• Technology governance
• Economics
• International relations

Weekly Seminars

The seminar series helps fellows build a comprehensive understanding of:

• AI governance frameworks
• Regulatory approaches
• Emerging risks
• Global policy debates

Skills Workshops

Specialized workshops support fellows in developing:

• Research methods
• Policy writing
• Communication skills
• Strategic thinking
• Stakeholder engagement

Peer Learning Opportunities

Fellows participate in work-in-progress meetings where they:

• Share ideas
• Receive constructive feedback
• Refine research outputs
• Collaborate with peers

Networking Events

GovAI organizes social and professional events that help fellows build meaningful relationships within the AI governance community.

Who Should Apply?

GovAI welcomes applicants from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds.

The fellowship is particularly suitable for individuals who want careers that involve:

• Producing research
• Consuming policy analysis
• Advising decision-makers
• Designing governance systems
• Influencing technology policy

Applicants may come from:

Government

Policy advisors, analysts, regulators, and civil servants.

Academia

Researchers, lecturers, doctoral candidates, and scholars.

Industry

Technology professionals, strategy experts, and policy specialists.

Civil Society

Advocacy professionals, nonprofit leaders, and public-interest researchers.

Relevant Areas of Expertise

While there are no strict degree requirements, GovAI identifies several fields that may provide useful preparation.

These include:

• Public Policy
• Political Science
• Computer Science
• Economics
• Biosecurity
• Cybersecurity
• China Studies
• International Relations
• Risk Management
• Assurance and Auditing
• Technology Governance
• Law and Regulation

Applicants from other disciplines are also encouraged to apply.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed using several key criteria.

Quality of Work

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong analytical thinking
• High-quality research skills
• Clear writing ability
• Sound reasoning

Relevant Expertise

Applicants should show evidence of useful skills, knowledge, or experience relevant to AI governance.

Judgment

Strong candidates can:

• Prioritize effectively
• Evaluate research opportunities
• Assess policy relevance
• Make sound strategic decisions

Team Fit

GovAI values individuals who demonstrate:

• Intellectual honesty
• Openness to feedback
• Curiosity
• Collaboration
• Professional integrity

Fellowship Benefits

Successful fellows receive substantial support throughout the program.

Benefits include:

Salary

£12,000 salary for the three-month fellowship.

Travel Support

Financial assistance for travel to London.

Visa Sponsorship

GovAI can sponsor temporary three-month work visas for eligible international applicants.

Office Space

Dedicated workspace in GovAI’s London office.

Complimentary Weekday Lunches

Provided during the fellowship period.

Mentorship

Direct guidance from leading experts in AI governance.

Networking

Access to policymakers, researchers, academics, and industry leaders.

Career Development

Opportunities to explore future employment pathways in AI governance and policy.

Fellowship Duration and Location

Duration

18 January 2027 – 9 April 2027

Location

London, United Kingdom

The fellowship is designed as a:

• Full-time role
• In-person experience

Participants are expected to be physically present in London throughout the fellowship period.

Opportunities for Senior Candidates

GovAI recognizes that established academics and senior professionals may face participation constraints.

Exceptional candidates may request accommodations where feasible.

Interested senior applicants should contact:

fellowships@governance.ai

with:

• Their CV
• A brief explanation of required accommodations
• Subject line: “senior candidate winter fellowship 2027”

Application Process

The selection process consists of three stages.

Stage 1: Written Application

Applicants submit:

• Online application
• Background information
• Relevant experience details

Selected candidates proceed to an approximately 20-minute automated abstract reasoning assessment.

Stage 2: Paid Remote Work Test

Successful applicants will complete a paid remote assessment in August 2026.

Stage 3: Interview and References

Shortlisted candidates participate in:

• Remote interviews
• Reference checks

Final Decisions

Successful candidates will be notified in October 2026.

APPLY HERE

Important Deadline

Application Deadline:

12 July 2026 at 23:59 BST

Interested applicants should submit their applications as early as possible to avoid last-minute issues.

Why This Fellowship Stands Out

Few opportunities provide the combination of:

• Independent research freedom
• Expert mentorship
• Competitive salary
• Global networking
• Policy impact
• Career acceleration

As governments, companies, and international organizations increasingly grapple with the challenges posed by advanced artificial intelligence, the demand for skilled AI governance professionals continues to grow.

The GovAI Winter Fellowship offers participants a rare opportunity to position themselves at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field.

Visit HERE to read more about the GovAI UK Winter Fellowship 2027.

Conclusion

The GovAI UK Winter Fellowship 2027 (Research Track) is one of the most exciting and impactful opportunities available for aspiring AI governance researchers, policy professionals, and future technology leaders. Through funded research, expert mentorship, policy engagement, and access to a world-class professional network, fellows will gain invaluable experience working on some of the most pressing governance challenges associated with advanced artificial intelligence.

For individuals passionate about shaping the future of AI policy, improving governance systems, and helping decision-makers navigate an increasingly AI-driven world, this fellowship provides an unparalleled platform for learning, contribution, and career growth. Interested candidates from around the world are encouraged to submit their applications before the 12 July 2026 deadline.

Discover more global Fellowship opportunities on OFY HERE.