GovAI Research Fellowship 2026 in the UK & USA
Applications are now open for the GovAI Research Fellowship 2026, a prestigious opportunity offered by the Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI). The fellowship is designed for experienced researchers who want to contribute to cutting-edge research on artificial intelligence governance and help shape policies for the safe and responsible development of advanced AI.
The fellowship offers a two-year renewable appointment in either the United Kingdom or the United States, along with a competitive salary, visa sponsorship (for UK positions), comprehensive employee benefits, and opportunities to collaborate with leading experts in AI policy and governance.
Researchers from around the world are encouraged to apply.
Fellowship Summary
- Host Organization: Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI)
- Host Countries: United Kingdom and United States
- Position: Research Fellow
- Programme Type: Research Fellowship
- Duration: 2 Years (Renewable)
- Funding: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: 16 August 2026
Degree Level
The fellowship is intended for:
- Research Fellows
- Early-Career Researchers
- Mid-Career Researchers
- Policy Researchers
- Independent Researchers
There are no formal degree requirements, although applicants should possess significant research experience.
Available Subjects
Applicants may conduct research in areas including:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- AI Governance
- AI Safety
- AI Risk Management
- AI Policy
- Public Policy
- Technical AI Governance
- AI Economics
- Geopolitics of AI
- Strategic Policy Research
- Machine Learning Governance
- Emerging Technologies
- Technology Regulation
- Threat Modelling
- Responsible AI
Benefits
Successful fellows will receive:
- Competitive salary based on experience and location
- Annual salary of £84,000–£103,500 (London)
- Annual salary of US$134,500–US$170,000 (Washington, DC)
- UK visa sponsorship for eligible candidates
- US visa sponsorship in exceptional cases
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Annual professional development budget
- Wellbeing allowance
- Childcare support budget
- Coworking space allowance for remote staff
- Flexible working arrangements
- Extended parental leave
- Ergonomic equipment support
- Employer pension contribution (10%)
- 33 days of paid annual leave, including public holidays
Why Apply?
The GovAI Research Fellowship provides an opportunity to:
- Conduct high-impact research on AI governance
- Influence international AI policy development
- Collaborate with leading AI researchers and policymakers
- Publish influential reports and academic papers
- Advise governments and international organisations
- Build a global professional network in AI governance
- Mentor emerging researchers
Eligible Nationalities
The fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Demonstrate experience conducting high-quality research.
- Have expertise in AI governance or a closely related field.
- Show a strong interest in responsible AI development.
- Have a proven record of impactful research.
- Be capable of working independently and collaboratively.
- Be interested in mentoring junior researchers.
- Candidates from academia, government, industry, and civil society are encouraged to apply.
There is no mandatory degree requirement, provided applicants possess the necessary research experience.
Fellowship Responsibilities
Selected Research Fellows will:
- Develop independent research projects.
- Publish academic papers, reports, and policy briefs.
- Advise governments, policymakers, and international organisations.
- Organise workshops, seminars, and research events.
- Mentor Research Scholars and seasonal fellows.
- Contribute to GovAI's overall research strategy.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams.
Application Procedure
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Completed online application form
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter or statement of interest
- Research publications or writing samples
- Details of research experience
- References (if requested)
- Any additional documents required during the application process
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official GovAI application portal.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload your CV and supporting documents.
- Provide details of your research experience and achievements.
- Review your application carefully.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Research excellence
- Quality and impact of previous work
- Expertise in AI governance or related disciplines
- Originality of research ideas
- Communication and analytical skills
- Leadership and mentoring potential
- Ability to contribute to GovAI's research mission
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the GovAI Research Fellowship 2026 is:
16 August 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
