AI and National Security Convergence Fellowship 2026–2027: Eligibility, Program Benefits, and Application Guide

Applications are open for the AI and National Security Convergence Fellowship 2026–2027, an eight-month professional development program organized by the Council on Strategic Risks through its Converging Risks Lab. The fellowship is designed for mid-career professionals who want to understand how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing national security and how governments and security institutions can preserve meaningful human control over increasingly capable AI systems.

The program brings together professionals with experience in diplomacy, defense, international relations, law, science, technology, government, and national security policy. Through specialized learning modules, practical scenario exercises, a domestic study trip, and networking opportunities, Fellows will explore emerging AI-related security risks and examine approaches to responsible AI integration.

Knowledge of AI is useful but is not a prerequisite. The fellowship is intended for professionals who have developed substantial experience in relevant fields and want to strengthen their understanding of advanced AI and its implications for national and global security.

Applicants must meet the program’s experience and location requirements and be able to attend the required activities in the Washington, DC, area.

1. Overview of the AI and National Security Convergence Fellowship

The AI and National Security Convergence Fellowship is an initiative focused on the intersection of advanced artificial intelligence, public policy, and national security.

AI is increasingly relevant to military decision-making, cybersecurity, intelligence, international competition, and strategic risk management. Although these technologies may offer important capabilities, their growing sophistication also raises questions about reliability, human oversight, accountability, and the consequences of relying on automated systems in high-stakes situations.

The fellowship provides a structured environment in which experienced professionals can examine these issues and explore how AI may affect their work.

The 2026–2027 program represents the fellowship’s second cohort. It is organized by the Council on Strategic Risks, a nonprofit, nonpartisan security policy institute, through its Converging Risks Lab.

The fellowship has four main components:

• Bootcamp and learning modules: A series of biweekly sessions covering key AI and national security issues.

• Staff ride: A short domestic trip to visit frontier AI laboratories and other relevant organizations.

• Scenario exercises: Two practical exercises and a capstone matrix game to apply knowledge and explore strategic challenges.

• Networking opportunities: Engagement with fellow participants, senior officials, experienced professionals, and Senior Advisors.

The broader fellowship runs from November 2026 to July 2027, while the bootcamp modules run from November 2026 through May 2027.

2. Objectives of the Fellowship

Preserving meaningful human control over AI

A central objective of the fellowship is to help professionals understand what human control means as AI systems become more autonomous and influential in decision-making.

Participants will examine the differences between alignment, control, and oversight. They will consider how these mechanisms can weaken as systems become more capable and what kinds of failures may create serious security consequences.

The program encourages Fellows to consider how institutions can preserve human judgment, accountability, and appropriate authorization when AI tools influence decisions.

Understanding emerging AI-related security risks

The fellowship explores how advanced AI may affect cyber operations, influence activities, military integration, biological and chemical security, and other national security concerns.

Participants will examine how technological developments could change the capabilities available to governments and non-state actors and how institutions might recognize and respond to emerging risks.

Strengthening policy and strategic decision-making

AI-related security challenges are not exclusively technical. They also involve diplomacy, law, government institutions, international cooperation, and strategic judgment.

The fellowship encourages participants to consider these dimensions together, helping them develop a broader understanding of how AI-related risks should be evaluated and managed.

Exploring international competition and cooperation

The program examines how competition between countries may influence AI development, deployment, and oversight.

Fellows will consider how pressure to develop or deploy technologies quickly can discourage caution and how one country’s AI control failures could affect the security interests of other countries.

The program also examines opportunities for communication, cooperation, and risk reduction.

Improving AI literacy in the national security workforce

The fellowship explores when delegating tasks to AI may be useful and when excessive dependence on automated systems could weaken the professional judgment necessary for effective oversight.

This issue is especially relevant to professionals involved in intelligence, defense, security policy, government decision-making, and technology governance.

3. Who Should Apply?

The fellowship is intended for mid-career professionals with approximately 10–15 years of professional and/or advanced academic experience.

It welcomes applicants from a range of professional backgrounds because AI and national security challenges require contributions from people with technical, legal, diplomatic, policy, and operational expertise.

Potential applicants include:

• Diplomats and international relations professionals.

• Defense and national security practitioners.

• Legal professionals whose work relates to technology, security, or policy.

• Scientists and technical professionals with experience relevant to AI security.

• Government employees working on technology, defense, or security policy.

• Individuals with experience working in or with the US Congress.

• Professionals working in local, state, or federal government in the United States.

• Researchers and practitioners working on AI implementation, evaluation, arms control, or verification.

• Professionals working in diplomacy, foreign policy, counterterrorism, or homeland security.

The ideal candidate has substantial professional experience and has engaged with issues directly connected to, or highly relevant to, the future of AI and national security.

A graduate degree or professional certification may be part of an applicant’s background, but the announcement does not state that either is compulsory.

Applicants should be able to explain how their experience relates to the fellowship’s objectives and why they want to deepen their understanding of AI’s implications for security.

CLICK HERE To APPLY  

4. Eligibility Requirements

Professional or advanced academic experience

Applicants should be at the mid-career stage, generally defined by the program as 10–15 years of professional and/or advanced academic experience.

The fellowship is intended for individuals who have developed meaningful expertise and can contribute informed perspectives to discussions about AI and national security.

Relevant professional background

Applicants should have experience in a field related to AI security, national security, diplomacy, defense, international relations, law, science, technology, or government.

The program accepts a broad range of relevant backgrounds rather than limiting applications to AI researchers or engineers.

AI knowledge is not mandatory

Applicants do not need to be AI specialists.

However, they should understand that advanced AI could significantly affect their fields and be motivated to develop the knowledge needed to contribute to responsible approaches to its use in national and global security.

Washington, DC, residency requirement

Applicants must live within the Washington, DC, area and be able to attend regular meetings and events in downtown DC.

The fellowship includes in-person sessions, dinners, exercises, and other activities. Applicants should carefully consider whether they can meet these requirements before applying.

Availability and attendance

Fellows are expected to attend seven in-person modules, two scenario exercises with dinners afterward, the domestic trip, and the final matrix game and closing dinner.

Applicants must affirm that they can attend all bootcamp meetings. The organizers will accommodate work schedules as much as possible, but participation remains a core program requirement.

Fellows may miss a maximum of five sessions for excusable reasons. The announcement also states that participants who miss more than six sessions will not be allowed to claim alumni status in the program.

Nationality requirements

The announcement welcomes US citizens and foreign nationals from allied nations who are based in Washington, DC.

It does not provide a complete list of eligible allied nations. International applicants should contact the organizers if they are uncertain whether their nationality meets the program’s requirements.

CLICK HERE for more information on the AI and National Security Convergence Fellowship

5. Benefits of the AI and National Security Convergence Fellowship

Specialized learning on AI and security

Fellows will participate in modules addressing autonomous intelligence, cyber operations, influence activities, CBRN risks, military integration, international competition, AI evaluation, and workforce readiness.

These discussions are intended to deepen participants’ understanding of the technical and policy challenges involved in preserving human control over AI.

Practical scenario exercises

The fellowship includes two scenario exercises and a capstone matrix game. These activities allow Fellows to apply ideas from the learning modules to simulated security situations.

Participants can explore how uncertainty, competing priorities, and decisions made under time pressure may affect strategic outcomes.

Visits to AI laboratories and other organizations

Fellows will take part in a short domestic trip to visit frontier AI laboratories and other relevant organizations, potentially including a national laboratory, military unit, or research institution.

The fellowship will cover airfare, lodging, and meals for this trip. The trip dates will be arranged in coordination with the Fellows.

The announcement does not specify a general stipend or comprehensive funding for all other expenses.

Networking with experienced professionals

Participants will have opportunities to connect with peers, senior officials, and other professionals during the fellowship.

Networking activities include kick-off and closing dinners and informal, no-host happy hours.

Six senior leaders will serve as Senior Advisors and interact with Fellows during the modules.

Interdisciplinary professional development

By bringing together participants from different professional backgrounds, the program encourages discussion across technical, legal, diplomatic, policy, and security disciplines.

This can help Fellows understand how AI developments interact with institutional responsibilities, international relations, and national security strategy.

6. Fellowship Curriculum: Monthly Learning Modules

The bootcamp consists of 14 two-hour sessions held biweekly from November 2026 through May 2027. Half of the sessions will be virtual, and half will be held in person at the Council on Strategic Risks’ offices in Farragut Square, Washington, DC.

 

November 2026: The Rise of Autonomous Intelligence

The opening module examines autonomous intelligence and why maintaining control is a national security priority.

Participants will distinguish between alignment, control, and oversight and consider how each may weaken as AI systems become more autonomous.

December 2026: Autonomous Cyber and Influence Operations

This module explores how AI may affect cyber operations and influence activities.

Fellows will examine the tension between increasingly capable AI systems and the possibility that such technologies could give malicious actors dangerous advantages.

January 2027: CBRN and Bioweapons

The January module focuses on chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear risks.

Participants will examine questions about how advanced AI models could affect access to knowledge relevant to biological or chemical weapons and how such effects could be assessed.

February 2027: AI and Military Integration, Including NC3

This module examines the integration of AI into military activities, including nuclear command, control, and communications.

Fellows will consider how AI decision-support systems could affect military decision-making timelines, doctrine, and the opportunities available to human decision-makers.

March 2027: AI-Driven Escalation with China and Potential Cooperation

Participants will explore how AI may influence strategic competition involving China and the potential for escalation.

The module will examine how competition can reward speed over caution and consider opportunities for credible communication and cooperation to reduce risks.

April 2027: Testing, Evaluation, Verification, and Validation

This module examines how AI systems can be assessed and how difficult it may be to establish whether they will remain controllable after deployment.

Participants will consider the limitations of behavioral testing and the challenges involved in verifying important control properties.

May 2027: Literacy, Dependency, and the National Security Workforce

The final module examines the relationship between AI use, workforce capability, and human judgment.

Fellows will explore when task delegation to AI may be appropriate and when excessive dependence on automated tools could weaken the reasoning and expertise required for effective oversight.

7. Staff Ride and Practical Learning

The fellowship includes a short domestic trip to visit frontier AI laboratories and other organizations relevant to AI and national security.

Potential destinations include national laboratories, military units, and research institutions.

The trip is intended to complement the bootcamp by allowing participants to engage with organizations connected to the program’s themes.

The fellowship covers airfare, lodging, and meals for the trip. The dates will be arranged in coordination with the selected Fellows.

8. Scenario Exercises and Capstone Matrix Game

Fellows will participate in two scenario exercises and a capstone matrix game to apply their learning to simulated security situations.

These activities are intended to help participants examine how AI may influence strategic decisions, uncertainty, signaling, and escalation.

The exercises complement the learning modules by encouraging Fellows to consider how decision-makers might respond when AI-generated assessments influence high-stakes choices.

The two scenario exercises will be followed by dinners, and the final matrix game will include a closing dinner.

9. Duration and Attendance Requirements

The fellowship runs for eight months, from November 2026 to July 2027.

Applicants must be able to participate in the program’s required activities in the Washington, DC, area.

Expected commitments include:

• Seven in-person bootcamp modules.

• Two scenario exercises and the dinners that follow.

• The domestic staff ride.

• The final matrix game and closing dinner.

• Regular bootcamp meetings, including virtual sessions.

Applicants should confirm their availability before applying, especially if their current jobs involve travel or other commitments that may conflict with the program.

10. Application Requirements and Documents

Applicants must complete the online application, upload a résumé or CV, and provide two references.

A cover letter is not required.

Online application form

Candidates should complete the official form and ensure that all required information is accurate and complete.

Applicants may adjust their submission until the stated deadline.

Résumé or CV

The résumé or CV should outline the applicant’s professional experience, relevant qualifications, and achievements.

Applicants should highlight experience connected to national security, AI, technology policy, government, diplomacy, defense, law, or related areas.

Two references

Applicants must provide two references. Candidates should identify people who can speak knowledgeably about their professional experience and relevant expertise.

The announcement does not specify a separate deadline or detailed submission procedure for references, so applicants should follow the instructions in the application form.

11. Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Review eligibility. Confirm that your experience and professional background align with the fellowship’s objectives.

2. Check the residency requirement. Ensure that you live within the Washington, DC, area and can attend the required in-person activities.

3. Prepare your résumé or CV. Highlight relevant work and professional achievements.

4. Identify two references. Contact them in advance and confirm that their details can be provided.

5. Complete the online application. Answer the required questions accurately.

6. Review your submission. Confirm that the form is complete and the résumé or CV is uploaded.

7. Submit before the deadline. Ensure your application is submitted by October 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EDT.

12. Application Deadline and Notification

The application deadline is October 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

Applicants are expected to be notified by late October.

Candidates outside the United States should convert the deadline to their local time and submit their applications early enough to address any technical problems.

13. About the Council on Strategic Risks

The Council on Strategic Risks is a nonprofit, nonpartisan security policy institute focused on anticipating, analyzing, and addressing systemic risks to security in the 21st century.

The organization examines how different risks intersect and may intensify one another, seeking to support more integrated approaches to security policy and risk management.

14. About the Converging Risks Lab

The Converging Risks Lab is a research, analysis, and foresight unit within the Council on Strategic Risks.

Its work aims to encourage more integrated approaches to policymaking and risk management, drawing on collaboration with experts to address interconnected challenges.

The AI and National Security Convergence Fellowship brings professionals together to examine how advanced AI may affect national security and how institutions can respond responsibly.

15. How to Apply

Interested applicants should complete the official online application, upload a résumé or CV, and provide two references. A cover letter is not required.

• Application deadline: October 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EDT.

• Program duration: November 2026 to July 2027.

• Contact: Lily Boland, lboland@csrisks.org.

• Official announcement: AI and National Security Convergence Fellowship 2026–2027.

• Application form: Apply online.

Applicants should review the official announcement and form for the current instructions before submitting their applications.

Conclusion

The AI and National Security Convergence Fellowship 2026–2027 offers mid-career professionals an opportunity to deepen their understanding of advanced AI and its implications for national and global security.

Through specialized learning modules, practical scenario exercises, a domestic study trip, and engagement with senior leaders and other professionals, the fellowship explores important questions about human control, autonomous intelligence, cyber operations, military integration, strategic competition, AI evaluation, and workforce readiness.

The program is particularly relevant to professionals with approximately 10–15 years of professional and/or advanced academic experience in fields connected to AI, security, diplomacy, defense, law, science, technology, and government.

Applicants must live within the Washington, DC, area and be able to attend the required activities. AI expertise is useful but not mandatory. The application requires an online form, a résumé or CV, and two references, with no cover letter required.

Applications close on October 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EDT. Eligible professionals interested in responsible AI integration and national security should review the requirements and submit their applications before the deadline.

Opportunity category and eligible applicants