The Critical AI Policy Virtual Fellowship 2026 is an international research programme hosted by the Digital Society Research Cluster in collaboration with the Center for Digital Ethics & Policy (CDEP) at Loyola University Chicago. The initiative brings together interdisciplinary scholars from across the world to examine pressing issues in artificial intelligence policy through a critical, inclusive, and globally informed lens. Designed as a fully virtual fellowship, the programme enables researchers from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America to collaborate without geographical barriers while contributing to emerging debates on AI governance and digital ethics. Purpose of the Virtual Fellowship Programme The fellowship focuses on developing critical approaches to artificial intelligence policy. Rather than treating AI as a purely technical domain, the programme emphasizes its social, political, environmental, and ethical dimensions. Fellows are expected to explore topics such as: Political economy of artificial intelligence Environmental sustainability and AI systems Misinformation, digital harms, and platform accountability Legal and regulatory frameworks for AI governance Decolonial, Indigenous, feminist, and queer perspectives on technology By bringing together diverse research perspectives, the programme aims to generate policy-relevant insights that reflect global realities and address structural inequalities in digital systems. Structure of the Fellowship Experience The Virtual Fellowship is designed as a collaborative and research-intensive experience. Selected fellows work independently on their own research projects while also participating in group-based activities focused on policy development. A key component of the programme is the production of a joint policy report. This report consolidates the findings of the fellowship cohort and translates academic research into practical policy recommendations for AI governance. In addition to the report, fellows are expected to present their work during the 2026 Online Summer School, where they engage with broader academic and policy communities. International Collaboration and Academic Partnership The fellowship is jointly organised by the Digital Society Research Cluster and the Center for Digital Ethics & Policy (CDEP), based at Loyola University Chicago. Under the leadership of Professor Florence Chee, the programme fosters interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers and institutions worldwide. This partnership reflects a growing recognition that artificial intelligence governance requires input from multiple disciplines, including social sciences, law, humanities, environmental studies, and computer science. By connecting researchers across continents, the fellowship promotes knowledge exchange and strengthens global networks focused on ethical and responsible AI development. Who Can Apply for the Fellowship The programme is open to researchers with an interest in critical approaches to artificial intelligence and digital policy. Successful applicants typically demonstrate: A strong academic or research background relevant to AI, technology, or policy studies Interest in interdisciplinary and critical approaches to digital systems Commitment to collaborative research and policy engagement A global or comparative perspective on technology and society The fellowship particularly values diverse perspectives from underrepresented regions and research traditions, encouraging participation from scholars across the Global South and Global North. Research Themes and Areas of Focus The fellowship encourages applicants to engage with a broad range of critical research themes. These include: The political and economic structures shaping AI development Environmental impacts of large-scale digital systems The role of misinformation and algorithmic harms in society Legal and ethical challenges in regulating AI technologies Feminist, Indigenous, decolonial, and queer approaches to digital governance This thematic diversity allows fellows to explore both theoretical and applied dimensions of AI policy, contributing to more inclusive and socially responsible technological frameworks. Outcomes and Expected Contributions A central outcome of the fellowship is the creation of a collaborative policy report. This document is intended to bridge the gap between academic research and practical policymaking, offering evidence-based recommendations for governments, institutions, and technology developers. Fellows also participate in presentations during the 2026 Online Summer School, where they share their research findings with a wider audience of scholars, students, and policymakers. Through these outputs, the programme aims to influence ongoing debates around artificial intelligence governance and ensure that ethical considerations remain central to technological development. Application Timeline and Deadline Applications for the 2026 Virtual Fellowship cohort are open until 27 February 2026. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline due to the competitive and international nature of the selection process. As a virtual programme, the fellowship eliminates travel barriers and allows participation from researchers regardless of location, making it particularly accessible to scholars who may face constraints in physical mobility or funding. Significance of the Programme in AI Research The Critical AI Policy Virtual Fellowship represents a growing shift toward interdisciplinary and globally inclusive approaches to artificial intelligence research. By integrating perspectives from ethics, law, politics, and social theory, the programme challenges narrow technical understandings of AI systems. It also highlights the importance of equity in digital governance, ensuring that voices from diverse regions and intellectual traditions contribute to shaping the future of AI policy. Final Overview The 2026 Critical AI Policy Virtual Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for researchers interested in the intersection of artificial intelligence, ethics, and global policy. Through virtual collaboration, interdisciplinary engagement, and policy-oriented research, the programme fosters a deeper understanding of the societal impacts of AI while promoting inclusive and globally informed solutions. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding. LEARN MORE & APPLY HERE