The AEGIX Emerging Scholars Program 2026–2027 is an opportunity for advanced students and early-career professionals interested in the rapidly developing fields of artificial intelligence governance, AI ethics, public policy, research, and societal impact.

Organized by the AEGIX Institute, the Emerging Scholars Program is designed to help develop the next generation of professionals and researchers working at the intersection of AI, policy, ethics, and societal flourishing. The program combines mentorship, supervised research, professional development, access to expert discussions, and opportunities to contribute to research publications.

The program is scheduled to run from November 2026 to April 2027, with a flexible duration of approximately 3–6 months and a part-time structure. Applicants from the Global South are particularly encouraged to apply.

About the AEGIX Emerging Scholars Program

Artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing education, employment, governance, public services, business, research, communication, and many other areas of society. As AI systems become more widely adopted, there is growing demand for professionals who understand not only the technical dimensions of AI but also its ethical, social, political, and policy implications.

The AEGIX Emerging Scholars Program seeks to contribute to this developing field by supporting individuals who are beginning to build careers in AI governance and related areas.

Rather than focusing exclusively on theoretical learning, the program combines research and mentorship. Scholars are expected to develop their research interests while receiving guidance that can help them establish a stronger research agenda and professional trajectory.

The program is particularly relevant to individuals who want to explore how artificial intelligence can be governed responsibly while considering its broader effects on people and society.

Program Dates and Duration

The Emerging Scholars Program is scheduled for November 2026 through April 2027.

The stated program length is approximately 3–6 months, allowing the fellowship to operate on a part-time basis. This structure may make the opportunity relevant to students and early-career professionals who are simultaneously pursuing academic, professional, or other commitments.

Key program details

• Program: AEGIX Emerging Scholars Program
• Program period: November 2026 – April 2027
• Duration: 3–6 months
• Commitment: Part-time
• Format: Hybrid online seminars
• Expected cohort size: Approximately 15 participants
• Focus: AI governance, AI ethics, policy, research, and societal flourishing
• Geographic emphasis: Global, with Global South applicants strongly encouraged

What Participants Can Gain

The AEGIX Emerging Scholars Program offers several components intended to support participants beyond the duration of the fellowship.

1. Mentorship and Professional Development

One of the central components of the program is mentorship.

Participants receive guidance intended to support the development of their research agenda and professional trajectory in areas connected to AI ethics and governance.

For an emerging researcher, mentorship can provide an opportunity to refine research interests, understand the broader AI governance landscape, develop professional connections, and receive guidance while working on a research project.

The mentorship component is therefore positioned as more than general career advice. It is connected directly to the scholar’s research development and professional growth.

2. Research and Publication Opportunities

Participants will complete a supervised research project during the program.

The research component gives scholars an opportunity to investigate a topic related to the intersection of AI, policy, ethics, and society while working with guidance from the program.

According to the program description, scholars may have opportunities for their research to contribute to AEGIX publications and institutional outputs, including:

• AEGIX Policy Memos
• Intelligence Briefings
• Other institute research outputs

This makes the program potentially valuable for individuals seeking to strengthen their research portfolio and gain experience producing work intended for a broader policy or public audience.

A completed research project can also provide an opportunity for an emerging scholar to demonstrate their ability to investigate an issue, develop an argument based on evidence, and communicate findings clearly.

3. Access to AEGIX Dialogues and Events

Emerging Scholars will also receive access to selected AEGIX Dialogues, closed workshops, and institute events.

These activities are intended to create opportunities for participants to engage with experts and peers from different sectors.

Such engagement can expose scholars to discussions surrounding emerging AI governance questions and provide opportunities to learn from researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and other professionals working in related fields.

The program therefore combines individual research development with participation in a wider professional and intellectual community.

4. Emerging Scholars Network

Participation does not necessarily end when the fellowship concludes.

Graduates of the program are admitted into the Emerging Scholars Network, which provides a continuing community for collaboration, visibility, and participation in future AEGIX initiatives.

This network component is designed to help maintain connections between participants and the wider AEGIX community after completion of the program.

For emerging researchers, continued access to a professional network can support future collaboration, research discussions, and engagement with related opportunities.

Who Is the AEGIX Emerging Scholars Program For?

The program is designed for advanced students and early-career professionals who are interested in AI governance, AI ethics, policy, research, and related areas.

AEGIX specifically identifies several academic and professional backgrounds that may be relevant, including:

• Policy
• Computer science
• Philosophy
• International relations
• Law
• Related interdisciplinary fields

However, the program’s description centers on the intersection of AI, policy, and societal flourishing, meaning that applicants with related interdisciplinary interests may also find the opportunity relevant.

The program is particularly suitable for individuals who are beginning to develop a research agenda or professional focus around questions such as responsible AI, AI policy, AI ethics, technology governance, and the social implications of artificial intelligence.

Global South Applicants Encouraged

A notable feature of the program is its emphasis on the Global South.

AEGIX states that Global South applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

This makes the opportunity particularly relevant to emerging researchers and professionals based in regions such as Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, parts of Asia, the Middle East, and other areas commonly included within the Global South.

The announcement does not state a specific nationality or country restriction. It also does not identify any race or ethnicity requirement.

The term Global South should therefore not be interpreted as a race or ethnic category. It is primarily used to describe countries and regions in a broader socioeconomic and geopolitical context.

Program Format

The Emerging Scholars Program will use a hybrid format involving online seminars.

The part-time structure and online component can be particularly relevant to participants who are continuing with their studies, employment, research, or other professional commitments.

The program’s format is intended to combine structured engagement with independent research and mentorship.

Participants should therefore expect the fellowship to involve more than attending online sessions. The research component is an important part of the program, with scholars expected to work on a supervised project during their participation.

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to submit three key components:

1. Statement of Interest
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Brief Research Proposal

Statement of Interest

The Statement of Interest provides applicants with an opportunity to explain their motivation for joining the Emerging Scholars Program.

Applicants can use this component to communicate their interest in AI governance, ethics, policy, research, or related areas and explain how participation aligns with their academic or professional development.

Curriculum Vitae

Applicants are expected to submit a CV outlining their academic background, professional experience, research activities, relevant projects, skills, publications, leadership activities, and other experiences relevant to the program.

For applicants coming from interdisciplinary backgrounds, the CV can help demonstrate how their previous education and experiences connect with AI, governance, policy, research, technology, or societal impact.

Brief Research Proposal

The research proposal is another important component of the application.

Applicants should use the proposal to introduce a research question or topic they would be interested in exploring during the program.

Because the fellowship focuses on the intersection of AI, policy, and societal flourishing, applicants may consider research questions involving the governance, ethical implications, social impact, or policy dimensions of artificial intelligence.

A research proposal can also demonstrate an applicant’s ability to identify an important issue and formulate a focused area of investigation.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can submit their application through the official AEGIX Emerging Scholars application process.

The application requires:

1. A Statement of Interest
2. A CV
3. A brief research proposal

The official application form is provided through the AEGIX Emerging Scholars program page.

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Application Deadline

Applications for the AEGIX Emerging Scholars Program are scheduled to be accepted from:

25 September 2026 to 25 October 2026

Important deadline

Application deadline: 25 October 2026

Applicants interested in the program should prepare their Statement of Interest, CV, and research proposal before submitting their application.

The program page states that applications are opening during this period, so applicants should refer to the official application form and AEGIX Institute channels for any updates or additional instructions.

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Expected Cohort Size

The program expects to have a cohort of approximately 15 participants.

A cohort of this size is intended to create a relatively focused environment in which emerging scholars can interact with mentors and fellow participants while developing their research projects.

The combination of a small cohort, mentorship, research, and access to institutional events can provide participants with opportunities to engage more closely with the AI governance community.

Why AI Governance Research Matters

The rapid development of artificial intelligence has created questions that extend beyond technology itself.

Governments, institutions, researchers, businesses, educators, and communities are increasingly considering questions surrounding:

• How AI should be governed
• How AI systems should be used responsibly
• How societies can address potential risks associated with AI
• How technological innovation affects different communities
• How policy can respond to rapidly changing AI capabilities
• How ethical considerations can be incorporated into AI development and deployment
• How AI can contribute to broader societal outcomes

These questions require contributions from multiple disciplines.

Computer scientists may contribute technical perspectives, while lawyers can examine regulatory frameworks. Philosophers can contribute ethical analysis, international relations scholars can examine global governance questions, and policy researchers can investigate institutional responses.

The AEGIX Emerging Scholars Program reflects this interdisciplinary nature by welcoming applicants from several academic and professional backgrounds.

Opportunities for Emerging Researchers

For students and early-career professionals, gaining experience in research can be an important part of developing a long-term career.

The AEGIX program provides several components that can contribute to this development:

• Research project experience
• Mentorship
• Exposure to AI governance discussions
• Professional networking
• Access to workshops and institute events
• Potential publication opportunities
• Membership in the Emerging Scholars Network

These elements can help participants develop both substantive knowledge and experience communicating research to professional audiences.

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AEGIX Emerging Scholars Program: Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
Program	AEGIX Emerging Scholars Program
Field	AI governance, ethics, policy, and societal flourishing
Type	Emerging Scholars fellowship program
Program dates	November 2026 – April 2027
Duration	3–6 months
Commitment	Part-time
Format	Hybrid online seminars
Cohort size	Approximately 15 participants
Target participants	Advanced students and early-career professionals
Relevant disciplines	Policy, computer science, philosophy, international relations, law, and related fields
Geographic focus	Global; Global South applicants strongly encouraged
Application period	25 September – 25 October 2026
Deadline	25 October 2026
Required documents	Statement of Interest, CV, brief research proposal
Research component	Supervised research project
Publication possibility	AEGIX Policy Memos, Intelligence Briefings, or other institute outputs
Additional access	AEGIX Dialogues, closed workshops, and selected institute events
Alumni component	Emerging Scholars Network

Conclusion

The AEGIX Emerging Scholars Program 2026–2027 provides an opportunity for advanced students and early-career professionals to develop their interests and research capabilities in AI governance, ethics, policy, and societal impact.

Running from November 2026 to April 2027, the part-time program combines mentorship, supervised research, online seminars, professional engagement, and access to selected AEGIX events. Participants may also have opportunities to contribute to institutional publications such as policy memos and intelligence briefings.

The program is open to individuals from relevant academic and professional backgrounds, including policy, computer science, philosophy, international relations, law, and related disciplines. Global South applicants are particularly encouraged to apply, making the program especially relevant to emerging researchers across Africa and other Global South regions.

With applications running from 25 September to 25 October 2026, prospective applicants should prepare their Statement of Interest, CV, and brief research proposal in advance of the 25 October 2026 deadline.

For individuals beginning to build a research or professional pathway around the governance and societal implications of artificial intelligence, the program offers a structured environment combining research, mentorship, professional engagement, and continued participation through the Emerging Scholars Network.

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