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The Fellowship Programme is designed for practising professionals and academics from any discipline, who hold a continuing role within a university, not-for-profit research organisation, industry or who are otherwise professionally established and actively engaging with the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence.
We are looking for individuals who are committed to:
- ethical and responsible AI
- meaningful, real-world impacts in their field
- cross-sector collaboration and thought leadership
The Programme is open to applicants worldwide. Proficiency in English is required.
- Applicants who hold a PhD must:
- Provide evidence of peer-reviewed publications (minimum of two).
- Provide evidence of a rising trajectory of research including at least one grant awarded as either Principal Investigator (PI), or Co-investigator (Co-I).
- Applicants without a PhD must:
- Have equivalent professional standing (minimum 7 years) in a relevant specialised field, and will need to evidence:
- advanced expertise
- a track record of original contributions
- peer or professional recognition
- evidence of significant impact in their field
- All applicants must:
- Demonstrate that their project aligns with:
- the mission and research remit of the Accelerator Fellowship Programme
- at least one research theme of the Institute for Ethics in AI
- Demonstrate proficiency in English.
The Accelerator Fellowship provides a unique opportunity to advance your work at the intersection of AI and ethics, with support from the University of Oxford’s Institute for Ethics in AI.
Fellows will benefit from:
- Access to networks and resources to support research, shape policy, and create real-world impact
- Intellectual engagement and guidance, working alongside Oxford researchers
- Increased visibility through participation in seminars, public discussions, and collaborative events
- A flexible structure, allowing fellows to integrate the programme into their existing professional commitments
Fellowships can be undertaken:
- Remotely, with the possibility of short visits
- Through a longer in-person stay in Oxford (up to 6 months at a time, provided immigration eligibility criteria for an appropriate UK visa are met)
Please note that these fellowships are not employed positions with the University.
Immigration status - We will work with successful fellows to support visits to the UK, where possible, within the conditions of the immigration routes available.
Each award includes:
- A monthly stipend of £2,000 to support accommodation, travel, food, and living expenses
- On a case-by-case basis we would consider support for project-related costs such as:
- workshops
- seminars
- public exhibitions or events
Applicants should include a clear project proposal in their application if they wish to be considered for this additional funding.
Fellows will be granted association with the Institute for 6 or 12 months.
Key details:
- The programme is designed to offer flexibility, allowing fellows to combine remote participation with short visits or a longer, continuous stay in Oxford
- In-person stays in Oxford should align with university term dates to take full advantage of seminars, events, and public engagement opportunities.
Please note all visits to the UK are subject to the fellow either holding an existing right to work in the UK or meeting the immigration eligibility criteria for an appropriate UK visa route.
Step one: Complete an online application form via this LINK (that will be made live when applications open)
Step two: Email the three documents listed below, saving the files as PDFs and using the naming convention 'Surname_Name_Month_Year_AFP_filetype (eg Statement, Letter, or CV)
Send your supporting documents to aiethicsafp@philosophy.ox.ac.uk with the email subject title 'AFP Fellowship Application'. Please do not include any other wording in the subject.
1. Project statement (max 500 words) outlining:
- the focus of your work
- specific intended outcomes and outputs
- how your project aligns with the mission and research remit of the Accelerator Fellowship Programme
- how your project aligns with at least one research theme of the Institute for Ethics in AI
- potential for impact beyond the academy (social, policy, business…)
- if applicable, include a proposal and brief cost justification for any project-related expenses (e.g., events, workshops, exhibitions, seminars)
- length of Fellowship (6 or 12 month) and milestones.
2. Motivation letter (max 500 words)
3. CV (max two pages)
Step three: Once received, your application will be reviewed and the Programme will contact you by email to inform you of the outcome of your application.
Please note that our intake is competitive, and suitability depends on a variety of factors including our current portfolio of projects. A selection panel reviews the applications and the panel’s decision will be final. The selection process will include an interview for short-listed applicants. We are looking to recruit 3-4 fellows for this cohort.
2026/2027 Fellowships
Applications open: 25 May 2026
Deadline: 15 June 2026
We reserve the right to close applications early.
Remote Fellowships:
• Earliest start date for 2027 remote fellowships: September 2026.
In-Person Fellowships:
-
Start dates from April/or September
Applicants planning an in-person stay:
• If you require a visa, apply at least 6 months before your intended visit.
• If you do not require a visa, apply at least 3 months in advance.
• If you are unsure about visa requirements, follow the 6-month timeline.
1. What is expected of Fellows?
Fellows are expected to pursue an independent, impact-driven project aligned with the Programme’s mission and with at least one research theme of the Institute for Ethics in AI, managing their own time and research direction without supervision.
2. What is the expected time commitment?
The Fellowship does not prescribe a set weekly time commitment. Fellows are responsible for managing their own project and schedules.
3. Is there a process or requirement for submitting work?
Fellows will undertake their projects independently and drive their own deliverables. Outputs will be discussed at the beginning of the fellowship and ideas can be presented at interview stage for successfully shortlisted candidates.
Fellows are expected to submit a short-written summary of their research outcomes for publication on the AFP website and to share updates for the website and social media channels during their Fellowship. Additional opportunities to present or showcase work — such as through events, collaborative activities, podcasts or videos — may also be arranged and discussed at the outset of the Fellowship.
4. What kind of structured activities will take place?
There is no formal supervision on the Programme although regular check-ins are encouraged and offered. We do organise a one-day retreat for Fellows and begin the Fellowship with an induction meeting. In addition, Fellows are strongly encouraged to participate in seminars, talks, and events hosted by the Institute, and may attend those hosted by other University departments.
5. Is the Fellowship a taught programme with classes or assessments?
No.
6. Can I join the Fellowship Programme as a volunteer if supported places are full?
No.
7. How should I balance the Fellowship with my professional commitments?
Fellows are responsible for organising their time and ensuring their participation aligns with their professional commitments. The Programme is designed to be flexible and self-directed.
8. Is the stipend also provided for remote Fellows?
Yes. The Fellowship Award is available to both remote and in-person Fellows.
9. Do you offer financial support for travel, flights and visa applications?
Yes. An Economy airfare to and from the UK and any visa costs are covered.
10. Could this fellowship support collaboration with my current organisation?
Yes. The Programme encourages cross-sector collaboration and the development of new partnerships.
