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GovAI Research Fellowship 2026 in the UK & USA

The GovAI Research Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious fully funded research opportunity offered by the Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI). The fellowship is designed for experienced researchers who want to contribute to artificial intelligence governance, AI safety, public policy, and responsible AI development.

The program provides a two-year renewable appointment in either the United Kingdom or the United States, along with a highly competitive salary, visa sponsorship opportunities, comprehensive employee benefits, and access to a global network of AI researchers and policymakers.

Researchers from all countries are encouraged to apply.

GovAI Research Fellowship 2026 Overview

Feature	Details
Fellowship Name	GovAI Research Fellowship 2026
Host Organization	Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI)
Host Countries	United Kingdom & United States
Position	Research Fellow
Fellowship Duration	2 Years (Renewable)
Funding	Fully Funded
Application Mode	Online
Application Deadline	16 August 2026
Official Website	https://www.governance.ai

What Is the GovAI Research Fellowship?

The GovAI Research Fellowship is a research program that supports scholars working on the governance of advanced artificial intelligence.

The fellowship focuses on research that can influence:

AI policy
AI regulation
AI safety
Global governance
Technology policy
Emerging technologies
International cooperation on AI

Fellows conduct independent research while collaborating with leading experts in AI governance and public policy.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows receive a comprehensive financial and professional support package.

Competitive Salary

London

£84,000 – £103,500 per year

Washington, DC

US$134,500 – US$170,000 per year

Visa Sponsorship

UK visa sponsorship for eligible candidates
US visa sponsorship in exceptional cases

Health Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance

Research and Professional Support

Annual professional development budget
Research collaboration opportunities
Conference participation support

Family and Wellbeing Benefits

Childcare support budget
Wellbeing allowance
Extended parental leave

Flexible Work Support

Flexible working arrangements
Coworking space allowance
Ergonomic equipment support

Additional Benefits

Employer pension contribution (10%)
33 days of paid annual leave
Public holiday coverage

Available Research Areas

Applicants may work in a wide range of AI-related fields.

These include:

Artificial Intelligence
AI Governance
AI Safety
AI Risk Management
AI Policy
Public Policy
Machine Learning Governance
Technical AI Governance
AI Economics
Geopolitics of AI
Strategic Policy Research
Emerging Technologies
Technology Regulation
Threat Modelling
Responsible AI

Interdisciplinary research proposals are strongly encouraged.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is intended for:

Research Fellows
Early-career researchers
Mid-career researchers
Policy researchers
Independent researchers

One notable advantage of this fellowship is that there is no mandatory degree requirement.

Applicants are evaluated primarily on their research experience and research quality.

Eligible Nationalities

The GovAI Research Fellowship is open to applicants from all nationalities.

Researchers from around the world are welcome to apply.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should demonstrate:

Experience conducting high-quality research
Expertise in AI governance or a closely related field
Strong interest in responsible AI development
A record of impactful research
Independent research capability
Collaborative research ability
Interest in mentoring junior researchers

Candidates from:

Universities
Research institutes
Government agencies
Industry
Non-profit organizations
Civil society organizations

are all encouraged to apply.

Fellowship Responsibilities

Selected fellows will contribute to GovAI’s research mission through a variety of activities.

Independent Research

Design and conduct original research projects.

Publications

Produce:

Academic papers
Policy briefs
Research reports
Governance analyses

Policy Engagement

Advise:

Governments
Policymakers
International organizations

Research Events

Organize:

Workshops
Seminars
Conferences
Research discussions

Mentoring

Support:

Research Scholars
Seasonal fellows
Junior researchers

Strategic Collaboration

Work with interdisciplinary teams and contribute to GovAI’s long-term research strategy.

Why This Fellowship Is Important

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming economies, governments, security systems, healthcare, and society.

The GovAI Research Fellowship provides a unique opportunity to help shape international AI governance.

Fellows can contribute to policies that influence:

AI regulation
AI safety standards
International cooperation
Risk management
Responsible innovation

This fellowship combines academic research with real-world policy impact.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare:

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

An updated academic or professional CV.

Cover Letter

A statement of interest explaining:

Research interests
Relevant experience
Motivation for applying

Research Publications

Relevant publications or writing samples.

Research Experience Details

Information about previous research projects and achievements.

References

References may be requested during the selection process.

Additional supporting documents may also be required.

How to Apply for GovAI Research Fellowship 2026

Follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Go to:

https://www.governance.ai

Step 2: Access the Fellowship Application

Open the GovAI Research Fellowship application portal.

Step 3: Complete the Online Form

Provide:

Personal information
Professional background
Research interests
Employment history

Step 4: Upload Documents

Upload:

CV
Cover letter
Publications
Supporting materials

Step 5: Review the Application

Check all information carefully before submission.

Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline

Submit the application before 16 August 2026.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on several factors.

Research Excellence

Quality of previous research.

Impact

Evidence that research has influenced policy, academia, or public understanding.

Expertise

Knowledge of AI governance and related disciplines.

Originality

Innovative research ideas.

Communication Skills

Ability to explain complex ideas clearly.

Leadership Potential

Capacity to mentor researchers and contribute to the research community.

Mission Alignment

Fit with GovAI’s research objectives.

Career Opportunities After the Fellowship

The fellowship can significantly strengthen a researcher’s career by providing:

International research experience
Policy engagement opportunities
Publications
Government collaboration
Global academic networks
Leadership experience
AI governance specialization

Fellows often develop strong professional connections across academia, government, and international organizations.

Important Deadline

The application deadline is:

16 August 2026

Applicants should apply early to avoid technical issues and allow sufficient time for document preparation.

Important Link

Applicants should regularly check the official website for updated application instructions and fellowship announcements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the GovAI Research Fellowship fully funded?

Yes. The fellowship includes a competitive salary, benefits, research support, and additional allowances.

Can international applicants apply?

Yes. Applicants from all nationalities are eligible.

Is a PhD required?

No formal degree requirement is specified. Significant research experience is the key requirement.

What is the fellowship duration?

The fellowship lasts for 2 years and is renewable.

Is visa sponsorship available?

Yes. UK visa sponsorship is available for eligible candidates, and US visa sponsorship may be available in exceptional cases.

Final Thoughts

The GovAI Research Fellowship 2026 is one of the most attractive international research opportunities for scholars interested in artificial intelligence governance, AI safety, and public policy.

With a salary of up to US$170,000 per year, excellent research support, visa sponsorship opportunities, and the chance to influence global AI governance, this fellowship offers an exceptional platform for researchers seeking both academic excellence and real-world policy impact.

Researchers with a strong background in AI governance or related fields should begin preparing their applications early and submit them before 16 August 2026.