Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming nearly every aspect of modern life—from education and healthcare to governance, journalism, business, and communication. As AI systems become increasingly integrated into society, there is an urgent need for experts who can critically examine how these technologies influence humanity, ethics, public policy, culture, and everyday life.

To help address these challenges, the Center for Humane Technology (CHT) has launched its inaugural Emerging Voices in AI and Society Fellowship, a prestigious six-month remote fellowship designed to support interdisciplinary professionals who are committed to advancing thoughtful conversations and impactful research on AI and society.

The fellowship offers a $30,000 stipend, extensive mentorship, editorial support, media training, and an opportunity to become part of a growing community of experts shaping the future of responsible AI.

If you are a mid-career researcher, policy professional, journalist, advocate, technologist, or thought leader interested in AI’s societal impacts, this fellowship provides an outstanding opportunity to amplify your work while contributing to one of the world’s most important conversations.

Application Deadline: July 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST

About the Center for Humane Technology (CHT)

The Center for Humane Technology (CHT) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that technology serves humanity’s best interests.

Rather than focusing solely on technological advancement, CHT works to understand how emerging technologies influence individuals, communities, institutions, and society as a whole. The organization aims to:

• Clarify the societal impacts of rapidly evolving technologies.
• Connect everyday technological harms to larger systemic issues.
• Promote responsible technology development.
• Encourage informed public conversations.
• Support practical solutions that align innovation with human values.

Recognizing that these complex challenges require diverse perspectives, CHT established the Emerging Voices in AI and Society Fellowship to empower experts from multiple disciplines to contribute meaningful research, public engagement, and innovative ideas.

Fellowship Overview

The Emerging Voices in AI and Society Fellowship is a six-month remote program that supports professionals exploring critical questions about AI’s impact on society.

Fellowship Details

• Fellowship Type: Remote
• Duration: September 14, 2026 – March 18, 2027
• Commitment: 15 hours per week
• Required overlap: At least 10 hours during Eastern Standard Time (EST)
• Fellowship Cohort: 3 Fellows
• Stipend: $30,000
• Payment Structure: Paid upon completion of three program milestones

Fellowship Focus Areas

Applicants may apply to one or two of the following research areas.

1. AI and Cognition

This area examines how AI affects:

• Human thinking
• Learning
• Decision-making
• Critical thinking
• Intellectual independence
• Creativity
• Cognitive development in adults and children
• Diversity of thought
• Human-machine collaboration

Researchers are encouraged to investigate whether AI merely enhances human capabilities or fundamentally changes the way people think.

2. AI and Relationships

This theme explores how artificial intelligence influences:

• Human relationships
• Social interaction
• Communication
• Emotional wellbeing
• Community building
• Human connection

3. AI and Surveillance

Applicants may investigate topics including:

• Privacy
• Data collection
• Digital monitoring
• Government surveillance
• Corporate surveillance
• Civil liberties
• Human rights

4. AI and Spirituality

Potential research areas include:

• Human meaning
• Identity
• Faith
• Values
• Purpose
• Spiritual wellbeing
• The philosophical implications of AI

5. Inside the Machine: AI from a Technologist’s Perspective

Ideal for professionals with technical backgrounds interested in explaining:

• AI system development
• Model design
• Engineering decisions
• Technical trade-offs
• Industry practices
• AI infrastructure
• Responsible AI development

Fellowship Expectations

Selected fellows will actively contribute to CHT’s public engagement and research initiatives.

Each fellow will be expected to:

• Complete one flagship research output such as:
  • Research paper
  • Long-form essay
  • Public report
• Produce between one and three opinion articles (op-eds) for major publications or CHT’s Substack.
• Participate in a podcast episode on Your Undivided Attention or another CHT platform where appropriate.
• Contribute to CHT’s media and communications ecosystem.
• Attend:
  • Three mandatory cohort meetings.
  • Mandatory bi-weekly meetings with the Senior Director of Strategy and Impact.

Fellowship Benefits

Participants receive far more than financial support.

Benefits include:

Financial Support

• $30,000 stipend
• Milestone-based payments

Professional Mentorship

• Bi-weekly guidance from CHT’s Senior Director of Strategy and Impact
• Research support from the CHT Research Team

Communications Support

• Editorial assistance
• Graphic design support
• Communications support
• Media training
• Public relations assistance
• Media placement opportunities

Professional Visibility

Fellows will also receive:

• A CHT email account
• Access to selected CHT Slack channels
• Public profile on the CHT Fellows webpage
• Opportunities to publish work reaching global audiences

Who Should Apply?

The fellowship welcomes professionals from interdisciplinary backgrounds, including but not limited to:

• Researchers
• Academics
• Junior faculty members
• Policy analysts
• Former government officials
• Journalists
• Writers
• Civil society advocates
• Community organizers
• Technology professionals
• AI governance experts
• Digital rights specialists
• Platform accountability experts
• Professionals studying technology’s social impacts

Relevant academic backgrounds may include:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Philosophy
• Cognitive Science
• Communications
• Science and Technology Studies

Ideal Candidate Profile

Successful applicants should demonstrate:

Research Excellence

Applicants should have:

• Strong analytical skills
• Proven research experience
• Ability to deliver high-quality work on schedule
• Experience producing public-facing research

Communication Skills

Strong candidates should be able to:

• Explain complex ideas clearly
• Write for broad audiences
• Speak publicly
• Engage through social media or other communication platforms

An existing audience is helpful but not required.

Perspective on AI

Applicants should understand:

• AI’s societal impacts
• Technology governance
• Digital rights
• Policy development
• Human-centered AI
• The influence of business incentives on technology

They should also demonstrate:

• Intellectual honesty
• Critical thinking
• Nuanced analysis
• Commitment to practical impact

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following:

1. A 1–2 page research proposal for each selected topic (up to two topics).
2. A CV or résumé (maximum two pages).
3. A two-minute video introducing yourself and explaining why you are a strong candidate.
4. A writing sample demonstrating research and analytical ability.

Why You Should Apply

This fellowship provides an exceptional platform for professionals seeking to influence one of today’s most important global conversations.

Participants will gain:

• Financial support
• National and international visibility
• Professional mentorship
• Media exposure
• Editorial support
• Opportunities to publish influential work
• Networking with interdisciplinary experts
• Experience contributing to responsible AI policy and public discourse

Whether your expertise lies in research, journalism, policymaking, technology, or advocacy, the Emerging Voices in AI and Society Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to shape how artificial intelligence develops in ways that benefit humanity.

Important Dates

Activity	Date
Applications Close	July 12, 2026 (11:59 PM EST)
Fellowship Begins	September 14, 2026
Fellowship Ends	March 18, 2027

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit all required application materials before the deadline through the official application portal.

Click here for more and to apply

For additional information about the fellowship and the Center for Humane Technology, visit the official fellowship page.

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