Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming governments, economies, industries, and societies around the world. As policymakers, researchers, and institutions grapple with the opportunities and challenges presented by advanced AI systems, the need for skilled professionals capable of shaping effective AI governance frameworks has never been greater.

To help meet this growing demand, the Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) has opened applications for two prestigious fellowship programs: the GovAI UK Winter Fellowship 2027 (Research Track) and the GovAI DC Winter Fellowship 2027.

These highly competitive three-month fellowships are designed to help aspiring and experienced researchers, policy professionals, academics, and emerging technology specialists launch or accelerate impactful careers in AI governance and public policy.

Both fellowships offer participants the opportunity to conduct independent research, receive mentorship from leading experts, engage with influential policy networks, and develop expertise in one of the world’s fastest-growing policy fields.

Successful fellows will join GovAI in either London, United Kingdom, or Washington, DC, United States, where they will work full-time on research projects that contribute to understanding and improving governance for advanced artificial intelligence systems.

Applications for both programs are currently open, with a deadline of 12 July 2026.

About GovAI

The Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) is one of the world’s leading organizations dedicated to understanding and improving governance approaches for advanced artificial intelligence.

Founded at Yale University in 2016, GovAI was among the first academic organizations to systematically study the policy implications of AI progress.

Since publishing its influential research agenda in 2018, GovAI has helped define the emerging field of AI governance and continues to provide research and policy guidance to governments, companies, and civil society organizations worldwide.

Today, GovAI operates as an independent nonprofit think tank focused on helping decision-makers navigate the transition toward a future shaped by increasingly capable AI systems.

Its researchers and affiliates possess expertise in:

• AI governance
• Frontier AI regulation
• AI economics
• Risk analysis
• Threat modeling
• AI forecasting
• Technical governance
• Agent governance
• International cooperation
• US-China relations
• Cybersecurity
• Biosecurity
• AI safety

GovAI researchers have published work in internationally recognized venues including:

• Science
• Nature
• NeurIPS
• FAccT

Why GovAI Fellowships Are Highly Respected

One reason these fellowships are particularly attractive is the strength of GovAI’s professional network.

GovAI alumni have secured influential roles in:

Governments

• White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
• National Security Council
• U.S. Senate
• Department of Homeland Security
• Department of Commerce
• UK Government
• European Union institutions

Leading AI Companies

• OpenAI
• Anthropic
• Google DeepMind

Think Tanks

• RAND
• Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET)
• Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
• Center for a New American Security (CNAS)
• Foundation for American Innovation

Universities

• Yale University
• Stanford University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• University of Oxford
• University of Cambridge

For individuals seeking long-term careers in AI governance, technology policy, national security, regulation, or public policy, these fellowships provide exceptional exposure and networking opportunities.

Understanding the Two Fellowship Tracks

Although both fellowships share similar goals, they focus on different policy ecosystems and geographic contexts.

GovAI UK Winter Fellowship 2027 (Research Track)

The UK Fellowship is designed primarily for individuals interested in global AI governance and policy research.

Participants conduct independent research while building expertise across international AI governance challenges.

Fellowship Duration

18 January 2027 – 9 April 2027

Location

London, United Kingdom

Financial Support

Selected fellows receive:

• £12,000 salary
• Travel support to London
• Temporary work visa sponsorship
• Office workspace
• Weekday lunches

Focus Areas

The UK fellowship supports research related to:

• Global AI governance
• AI regulation
• AI forecasting
• Risk management
• International cooperation
• Agent governance
• Technical governance
• Frontier AI policy
• AI economics
• Emerging technology governance

Learn More Here

GovAI DC Winter Fellowship 2027

The Washington, DC fellowship focuses specifically on AI policymaking within the United States political system.

The program emphasizes:

• Bipartisan engagement
• Policy relevance
• Practical governance solutions
• Understanding how AI policy is shaped in the United States

Fellowship Duration

18 January 2027 – 9 April 2027

Location

Washington, DC, United States

Financial Support

Selected fellows receive:

• $21,000 stipend
• Travel support to Washington, DC
• Office workspace
• Weekday lunches

Important Eligibility Note

Applicants must already possess the legal right to work in the United States.

GovAI does not sponsor visas for the DC Fellowship.

Focus Areas

The fellowship supports research and policy analysis connected to:

• U.S. AI policy
• Emerging technology governance
• National security and AI
• AI regulation
• Technology competition
• International technology policy
• Economic impacts of AI
• AI innovation and governance

Learn More Here

What Fellows Will Do

Participants in both fellowships engage in a structured yet flexible research experience.

Independent Research Projects

Each fellow conducts a research project of their choice.

Potential outputs include:

• Research reports
• White papers
• Academic papers
• Journal articles
• Policy briefs
• Op-eds
• Public-facing analyses
• Blog posts

Dedicated Mentorship

Each fellow is paired with a supervisor from GovAI’s team or network.

Supervisors provide:

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

AI Governance Exploration Phase

During the first two weeks, fellows explore:

• Current policy debates
• Governance challenges
• Research gaps
• Emerging issues
• Priority policy questions

They then refine their research proposal before beginning full project work.

Professional Development Opportunities

Both fellowships offer extensive training and professional development.

Participants gain access to:

Expert Q&A Sessions

Engage with leading voices in:

• AI governance
• Public policy
• National security
• Technology regulation
• Economics
• International relations

Weekly Seminars

Seminars deepen understanding of:

• AI policy frameworks
• Governance challenges
• Risk management approaches
• Regulatory developments

Skills Workshops

Workshops help fellows strengthen:

• Policy writing
• Research methodology
• Communication skills
• Strategic analysis
• Stakeholder engagement

Peer Feedback Sessions

Work-in-progress meetings allow fellows to:

• Share ideas
• Receive feedback
• Improve research quality
• Collaborate with peers

Networking Events

Participants build relationships with:

• Policymakers
• Researchers
• Academics
• Technology leaders
• Think tank experts

Who Should Apply?

GovAI encourages applications from a broad range of professional and academic backgrounds.

Ideal candidates may include:

Researchers and Academics

• PhD students
• Postdoctoral researchers
• Faculty members
• Independent scholars

Policy Professionals

• Government officials
• Policy advisors
• Legislative staff
• Public sector analysts

Technology Professionals

• Engineers
• AI researchers
• Product specialists
• Technology strategists

Civil Society Leaders

• Advocacy professionals
• NGO practitioners
• Public-interest researchers

Students

Both programs welcome strong candidates at earlier career stages, including undergraduates and graduate students.

Relevant Academic and Professional Backgrounds

Applicants may come from fields including:

• Public Policy
• Political Science
• Economics
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Biosecurity
• Cybersecurity
• International Relations
• China Studies
• Risk Management
• Law
• Governance
• Technology Policy

Importantly, there are no strict degree requirements.

Selection Criteria

Applicants are evaluated based on:

Quality of Work

Demonstrated ability to produce:

• High-quality analysis
• Well-reasoned arguments
• Clear writing
• Insightful research

Relevant Expertise

Knowledge or experience that may contribute to AI governance research.

Judgment

Ability to:

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

Team Fit

Candidates should demonstrate:

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

Application Process

The application process is identical for both fellowships.

Stage 1: Written Application

Applicants submit:

• Written application materials
• Background information
• Experience details

Selected candidates complete a 20-minute abstract reasoning assessment.

Stage 2: Paid Remote Work Test

Invitations issued during August 2026.

Stage 3: Interview and Reference Checks

Conducted remotely during September 2026.

Final Decisions

Expected in October 2026.

Click HERE to apply for the GovAI UK Winter Fellowship 2027, Research Track.

Click HERE to apply for the GovAI DC Winter Fellowship 2027.

Important Deadline

Application Deadline:

12 July 2026

UK Fellowship:
23:59 BST

DC Fellowship:
11:59 PM ET

Why These Fellowships Matter

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape global systems, governments and institutions urgently need professionals capable of understanding and governing advanced AI technologies.

The GovAI Winter Fellowships provide participants with:

• Financial support
• Mentorship
• Professional development
• Policy exposure
• Global networking
• Research opportunities
• Career acceleration

Few opportunities combine these elements at such a high level.

Conclusion

The GovAI UK Winter Fellowship 2027 and GovAI DC Winter Fellowship 2027 represent two of the most prestigious opportunities available for individuals interested in artificial intelligence governance, technology policy, public policy, and emerging technology research. Whether applicants are interested in global AI governance from London or U.S.-focused AI policy from Washington, DC, both fellowships offer unparalleled access to expert mentorship, policy networks, independent research opportunities, and meaningful career development.

With generous financial support, world-class training, and direct engagement with leaders shaping the future of AI governance, these programs provide an exceptional pathway for researchers, students, policy professionals, and technology experts seeking to contribute to one of the most important policy challenges of our time. Interested candidates should submit their applications before the 12 July 2026 deadline.

Discover more global Fellowship, Job and AI opportunities on Opportunities for Youth (OFY).