The University of Oxford’s Institute for Ethics in Artificial Intelligence (AI) is launching the Accelerator Fellowship Programme, a pioneering five-year initiative designed to address the ethical challenges posed by AI technologies. As AI continues to reshape societies worldwide, the programme’s mission is to be the leading AI ethics hub, where thinkers collaborate to turn AI uncertainty into opportunity through actionable solutions and interdisciplinary cooperation.
Supported by funding from the Stephen A. Schwarzman Foundation, the Accelerator Fellowship Programme aims to make impactful contributions to AI regulation, industry practices, and public awareness while fostering long-term alliances essential for addressing AI’s risks and opportunities.
Its bold vision lies at the heart of the programme: to ensure AI benefits everyone by addressing its ethical challenges, such as bias, privacy concerns, accountability and transparency.
Key Events Shaping AI Ethics
Central to the programme’s mission is a series of high-profile events, designed to foster global dialogue, inform policymaking, and drive meaningful change. Several events are scheduled in the coming months, focussing on topics such as AI and creativity, AI and care, and AI and human rights.
Trailblazing Fellows Leading the Change
The programme’s inaugural cohort of fellows includes globally renowned experts who will focus on addressing specific topics:
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Prof Alondra Nelson: Former Acting Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and the Harold F. Linder Chair at the Institute for Advanced Study, addressing the practical application of AI ethics frameworks.
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Prof Cass Sunstein: Founder and Director of the Behavioural Economics and Public Policy program at Harvard Law School, focusing on AI prediction and aversion.
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Dr Joy Buolamwini: Founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, computer scientist, author, artist and AI researcher, addressing bias in AI systems.
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Prof Yuval Shany: International law expert and former Chair of the UN Human Rights Committee, addressing digital human rights and implementation of the AI Bill of Rights.
The programme will welcome new Fellows regularly, ensuring a dynamic community of experts.
Leadership with a Global Mission
Under the leadership of Dr Caroline Green, Director of Research at the Institute for Ethics in AI, the programme fosters a dynamic environment for collaboration and benefits from the guidance of Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt. When speaking about the programme, Dr Green said: “I am thrilled to lead the Accelerator Programme, bringing together an international community of emerging leaders in AI ethics. The Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, where the programme will be based, will provide ground-breaking spaces for engagement and innovation.”
Join Us
For more information about the programme and upcoming events, contact us at aiethicscomms@philosophy.ox.ac.uk
Notes for Editors
The Director and Fellows of the Accelerator Fellowship Programme are available for interviews. For more information, please contact: aiethicscomms@philosophy.ox.ac.uk
University of Oxford
