University of Oxford Institute for Ethics in AI Accelerator Fellowship Programmme 2026

Are you passionate about the future of artificial intelligence and eager to influence how technology shapes society? The University of Oxford Institute for Ethics in AI Accelerator Fellowship Programme 2026 offers a remarkable opportunity for experienced professionals and academics to deepen their engagement with responsible AI development.

With a monthly stipend of £2,000, this fellowship supports impactful research and practical work at the intersection of AI, ethics, law, creativity, healthcare, and humanity.

University of Oxford Institute for Ethics in AI Accelerator Fellowship Programme 2026

This prestigious fellowship has been created to equip global thinkers with the tools, networks, and intellectual support needed to confront today’s most urgent AI-related challenges. Through the Institute for Ethics in AI, fellows receive access to an active academic environment grounded in philosophical inquiry, independent research, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The fellowship encourages work that generates tangible, real-world influence through policy insights, innovative solutions, cross-sector alliances, and public engagement. Designed with flexibility, it accommodates professionals who want to merge their ongoing work with advanced thinking in AI ethics.

University of Oxford Institute for Ethics in AI Accelerator Fellowship Summary

What Is the Accelerator Fellowship All About?

The Accelerator Fellowship Programme provides a platform for professionals and researchers who want to advance responsible and ethical AI practices. The initiative catalyzes impact-driven projects, encouraging fellows to explore questions such as:

• How should AI be governed?
• What is the relationship between AI and human creativity?
• How can AI be safely integrated into healthcare and social care?
• In what ways is AI reshaping human identity, values, and society?

By combining philosophical discussions, applied work, and interdisciplinary conversations, the program supports a deeper examination of AI systems and their consequences. Furthermore, the fellowship promotes innovation that can influence policy, corporate governance, public education, and community engagement.

The structure allows fellows to remain active in their home institutions while still participating meaningfully in Oxford-based seminars, workshops, and collaborations.

Fellowship Themes

Each applicant’s project must align with one of the program’s central themes:

AI, Law and Policy

Focused on governance, regulation, civil society engagement, and policymaking related to artificial intelligence.

AI and Creativity

Open to individuals from creative sectors or researchers investigating how AI shapes or collaborates with human creativity.

AI in Care, Mental Health, and Healthcare

Designed for professionals exploring ethical challenges in clinical AI, digital therapeutics, social care technologies, and mental health solutions.

AI and Humanity

Covers broader humanistic perspectives, including cultural shifts, social values, philosophical implications, and human identity in an AI-driven world.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

To qualify for the University of Oxford Institute for Ethics in AI Accelerator Fellowship Programme 2026, applicants must:

• Hold a Master’s degree or demonstrate equivalent professional experience (at least five years in a relevant field).
• Present a project that clearly aligns with the program’s mission.
• Show a proven commitment to ethical and responsible AI development.
• Demonstrate interest in cross-sector collaboration and leadership.
• Be professionally established within a university, research center, civil society organization, government institution, or industry.
• Possess strong proficiency in English.
• Submit all application documents in the required format.

The fellowship is open worldwide, encouraging participation from diverse geographic, cultural, and professional backgrounds.

Fellowship Benefits

Fellows selected for the 2026 programme will receive comprehensive support aimed at boosting the impact and visibility of their work:

• £2,000 monthly stipend to support food, accommodation, travel, and daily expenses.
• Access to research resources and professional networks across the University of Oxford.
• Participation in seminars, workshops, public events, and academic discussions.
• Intellectual guidance from the Institute’s researchers and affiliated scholars.
• Increased visibility through public engagements and collaborative activities.
• Flexible work structure that accommodates remote participation and short in-person visits.
• Optional support for project-related costs such as exhibitions, seminars, or workshops (based on approval).

Although fellows are affiliated with the University of Oxford, these roles are not employed staff positions.

Duration of the Fellowship

• Fellowships last 6 or 12 months.
• Start dates begin from February 2026.
• Participants may combine remote work with short visits or longer stays in Oxford.
• In-person participation should align with university term dates to maximize engagement opportunities.

All travel to the UK requires appropriate visa eligibility or existing rights to work in the UK.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit three documents as one PDF (10MB max):

• One-page project statement, outlining:
• The project’s core focus
• Expected outcomes and outputs
• Alignment with fellowship goals
• Potential societal or policy impact
• Long-term collaboration opportunities
• Proposed budget (if seeking funding for events or workshops)
• Motivation letter, explaining interest in the fellowship.
• Two-page CV, highlighting relevant experience and credentials.
• A copy of the applicant’s passport must also be attached to the same email.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Complete the Online Application Form

Applicants begin by filling out the official form through the program’s portal.

Step 2: Prepare and Email Application Documents

Email the combined PDF to the email address displayed on the website with the subject line “AFP Fellowship Application.”
Use the naming format: Surname, Name, Month, Year, AFP application.

Step 3: Await Review and Notification

Applications will be reviewed based on:

• Relevance and clarity of the proposed project
• Professional experience
• Potential for real-world impact
• Alignment with the Institute’s mission

Successful applicants will receive direct communication from the program team.

Why Join the Oxford Ethics in AI Accelerator Fellowship?

• Opportunity to engage with leading thinkers in AI ethics.
• Freedom to explore high-impact ideas that can influence policy and society.
• Access to a world-class academic environment.
• Expanded global networks with professionals, researchers, and policymakers.
• Support for creative and cross-disciplinary approaches to AI challenges.
• Flexibility that allows fellows to maintain current professional roles.

Official website: https://afp.oxford-aiethics.ox.ac.uk/join

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