The AI Societal Impact Lab Autumn Fellowship 2026 is a fully remote research fellowship for recent graduates, early-career researchers, and individuals interested in understanding how artificial intelligence is affecting society, politics, ethics, and public policy.

The fellowship provides participants with an opportunity to work with an international group of peers, receive mentorship, attend online workshops and seminars, and contribute to collaborative research. Selected fellows may also have the opportunity to publish an original analytical article through the AI Societal Impact Lab.

The programme is expected to run for approximately 8 to 10 weeks from mid to late September 2026, with a relatively flexible commitment of around four hours per week. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis until 4 September 2026, or until available fellowship places are filled.

AI Societal Impact Lab Autumn Fellowship 2026 Details

What Is the AI Societal Impact Lab Autumn Fellowship?

The AI Societal Impact Lab Autumn Fellowship is designed for individuals who want to investigate the broader consequences of artificial intelligence beyond its technical development.

The programme focuses on questions surrounding the social, political, ethical, and governance implications of AI. Fellows can explore how emerging AI systems may influence institutions, communities, public policy, decision-making, and human behavior.

Participants will work alongside people from different academic and professional backgrounds. This interdisciplinary environment can help fellows develop a broader understanding of AI-related challenges and improve their ability to communicate complex ideas through research and analytical writing.

What Does the Fellowship Include?

The fellowship combines several activities designed to provide participants with practical research and professional development experience.

Mentorship and Peer Collaboration

Fellows can receive guidance from experienced individuals associated with the AI Societal Impact Lab while working with other participants from different backgrounds.

This collaborative structure allows participants to exchange ideas, receive feedback, and develop perspectives on AI policy and societal impact.

Workshops and Seminars

Participants are expected to take part in online workshops and seminars covering topics related to artificial intelligence, society, governance, and policy.

These sessions can help fellows understand current debates surrounding AI and develop stronger analytical and research skills.

Collaborative Research

Fellows may contribute to a group research project during the programme. Collaborative research can provide useful experience for students and graduates who want to develop their academic or professional portfolios.

Publication Opportunity

One of the notable features of the fellowship is the opportunity to produce an original analytical article for publication on the AI Societal Impact Lab website.

This can be particularly valuable for applicants interested in research, public policy, AI governance, journalism, academia, or technology policy.

AI Societal Impact Lab Fellowship Benefits

Selected participants can benefit from several academic and professional opportunities.

Fully Remote Participation

The fellowship is conducted online, allowing participants from different countries to take part without relocating or arranging international travel.

Research and Writing Experience

Participants can develop practical experience in research, analytical writing, collaborative projects, and communicating ideas about artificial intelligence.

Professional Networking

The programme brings together participants interested in AI and its broader societal implications. This can provide opportunities to connect with researchers, policy thinkers, and other professionals working on related issues.

Mentorship

Participants can benefit from guidance and feedback from experienced fellows associated with the AI Societal Impact Lab.

Publication Experience

Eligible participants may have the opportunity to publish an analytical article through the AI Societal Impact Lab website, helping them demonstrate their research and writing abilities.

International Academic Exposure

Because the fellowship is open internationally and conducted remotely, participants can engage with people from different academic and geographic backgrounds.

Who Can Apply for the Autumn Fellowship?

The fellowship is particularly relevant to recent graduates and early-career researchers who are interested in the societal impact of artificial intelligence.

Applicants from social sciences and humanities backgrounds are encouraged to apply. However, the programme is not limited to these disciplines.

Candidates from STEM, arts, and other academic backgrounds may also be considered if they demonstrate a genuine interest in the social, ethical, political, or governance implications of AI.

AI Experience Is Not Required

Applicants do not necessarily need previous professional or academic experience in artificial intelligence.

This makes the fellowship potentially suitable for students and graduates who have developed an interest in AI through areas such as public policy, international relations, sociology, economics, law, philosophy, political science, communications, technology policy, or related fields.

A clear interest in understanding how AI affects society can be more relevant than having a technical AI background.

Eligibility Criteria for AI Societal Impact Lab Fellowship

Applicants should generally meet the following requirements:

• Recent graduates, particularly those from social sciences or humanities, are encouraged to apply.
• Early-career researchers may apply.
• Applicants from STEM, arts, and other academic disciplines are also encouraged.
• Previous artificial intelligence experience is not required.
• An interest in the societal, ethical, political, or policy implications of AI is beneficial.
• Applicants should be able to participate in the fellowship’s online meetings and activities.
• The fellowship is open to applicants from all nationalities.

Applicants should carefully review the official fellowship requirements before submitting an application because selection requirements and programme arrangements may be subject to change.

How Much Time Does the Fellowship Require?

The AI Societal Impact Lab Autumn Fellowship is designed around a relatively manageable weekly commitment.

Participants should expect to dedicate approximately four hours per week.

Weekly Fellowship Meeting

Around one hour each week is expected to be spent participating in the online fellowship meeting.

Independent Work

The remaining time, approximately three hours per week, may be dedicated to research, writing, reading, or collaborative project work.

The programme is expected to continue for approximately 8 to 10 weeks.

This structure may make the fellowship suitable for recent graduates, researchers, and professionals who want to develop their knowledge of AI governance without committing to a full-time programme.

When Does the Autumn Fellowship 2026 Start?

The AI Societal Impact Lab Autumn Fellowship 2026 is expected to begin in mid to late September 2026.

The final fellowship schedule and programme dates are expected to be communicated to shortlisted or successful applicants.

Because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, interested candidates should avoid waiting until the final deadline to apply.

What Is the Application Deadline?

The application deadline for the Autumn Fellowship 2026 is 4 September 2026.

However, applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning available places may be filled before the stated deadline.

For this reason, prospective applicants should consider submitting their applications as early as possible.

How to Apply for the AI Societal Impact Lab Autumn Fellowship

Interested applicants can apply online by following the fellowship’s official application process.

Step 1: Review the Fellowship Requirements

Before applying, carefully review the programme information and determine whether your academic background, interests, and availability match the fellowship.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Complete the official application form and provide accurate information about your academic background, interests, experience, and motivation for joining the fellowship.

Step 3: Explain Your Interest in AI’s Societal Impact

Applicants should clearly communicate why they are interested in the social, political, ethical, or governance implications of artificial intelligence.

A focused explanation can help demonstrate that you understand the purpose of the fellowship.

Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline

Submit the completed application by 4 September 2026. Since applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, early submission is recommended.

Step 5: Wait for the Selection Process

Shortlisted applicants may receive additional information about the programme schedule, fellowship dates, and participation requirements.

Successful candidates will then be invited to participate in the Autumn Fellowship beginning in September 2026.

Why Should Students Apply for This AI Fellowship?

The rapid development of artificial intelligence is creating new questions about regulation, governance, employment, privacy, inequality, misinformation, political decision-making, and the relationship between technology and society.

For students and graduates interested in these issues, the AI Societal Impact Lab Autumn Fellowship can provide a structured environment to investigate such questions while developing research and analytical skills.

The combination of mentorship, collaborative research, workshops, seminars, networking, and publication opportunities can also help participants build evidence of their interests and capabilities for future academic or policy-related opportunities.

The fellowship may be especially relevant to candidates considering careers or further study in AI governance, public policy, technology policy, social sciences, international affairs, ethics, research, or academia.