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The Fellowship Programme is designed for practicing professionals and academics from any discipline, who hold a continuing role within a university, not-for-profit research organisation, or 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 advancing ethical and responsible AI
- Eager to make a meaningful, real-world impact in their field
- Passionate about cross-sector collaboration and thought leadership
The programme is open to applicants worldwide. Proficiency in English is required.
- Creativity Fellows may have a background in the creative sectors, or may be working on topics specifically relating to AI and human creativity or AI and creativity
- Care Fellows will be people with a background or interest in how AI is impacting health, social care and/or mental health.
- Humanity Fellows may have a background or focus on any of the humanities. Humanity Fellows may also be computer scientists, working on AI development/evaluation or the impact of AI on society.
- AI, Law & Policy Fellows may have a background in government, policy, civil society and/or may be working on law and policy related topics
You are eligible to apply if:
- You hold a Master's degree or have equivalent professional standing (eg: a minimum of 5 years professional experience in a relevant field)
- Your project aligns with the Accelerator Fellowship Programme’s mission and research remit
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 with earliest start dates for remote fellowships from late February 2026.
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: Applicants should first complete an application form via this LINK
Step two: Please email the three documents listed below as a single PDF file not exceeding 10MB.
Save the single PDF file using the naming convention 'Surname_Name_Month_Year_AFP application'
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.
Document one: a one-page project, statement outlining:
- The focus of your work
- Desired outcomes and specific outputs
- How your project aligns with the programme's goals
- Potential for societal, policy, or business impact
- Opportunities for longer-term collaboration
- If applicable, include a project-proposal for any project related costs for events, workshops, exhibitions, seminars.
Document two: a motivation letter.
Document three: a two-page CV.
*Please include in the same email a copy of your current passport.
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. We are looking to recruit 3-4 fellows for this cohort. An application does not guarantee acceptance. You will be informed in writing of the result of your application.
2025/2026 Fellowships
Applications open: 18 November 2025
Deadline: 10 January 2026
2026/2027 Fellowships
Applications open: 16 May 2026
Deadline: 13 June 2026
For 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.
Remote Fellowships:
• Earliest start date for 2026 remote fellowships: late February 2026.
In-Person Fellowships:
-
Start dates from April/or September
1. What is expected of Fellows?
Fellows are expected to pursue an independent, impact-driven project aligned with one of the programme’s core themes, managing their own time and research direction without formal 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 schedules and determining how best to advance the work they wish to pursue during the programme.
3. Is there a process or requirement for submitting work?
Fellows will undertake the 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 work or research outcomes for publication on the AFP website. Additional opportunities to present or showcase work — such as through events, collaborative activities, podcast or videos — may also be arranged.
4. What kind of structured activities will take place?
The Fellowship is not a formally structured programme. While there is no formal supervision or scheduled 1:1 support, we do organise a one-day retreat for Fellows and begin the Fellowship with a kick-off meeting. Fellows are encouraged to participate in seminars, talks, and events hosted by the Institute and other University departments.
5. Is the Fellowship a taught programme with classes or assessments?
The Fellowship is not a teaching programme and does not include classes, assignments, or examinations. Fellows work independently on their own research or projects and may choose to engage with academic events offered across the University.
6. Can I join the Fellowship Programme as a volunteer if supported places are full?
No. We do not offer volunteer participation routes.
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.
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