Programme Type: Seasonal Fellowship (Research Track)Duration: Three MonthsFellowship Period: 8 June – 28 August 2026Location: London, United Kingdom (In-person)Application Deadline: Sunday, 4 January 2026 at 23:59 GMT The Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) is inviting applications for its Summer Fellowship 2026 – Research Track, a highly selective, three-month, full-time fellowship designed to launch or accelerate impactful careers in AI governance and public policy. This opportunity is aimed at individuals seeking to contribute meaningfully to the governance of advanced artificial intelligence through high-quality research and policy analysis. About GovAI GovAI was established to help decision-makers navigate the transition to a world shaped by advanced AI systems. The organisation produces rigorous, policy-relevant research and invests heavily in cultivating talent in the emerging field of AI governance. GovAI researchers have published in leading academic journals, including Science and Nature, and work closely with policymakers across government, industry, and civil society. GovAI alumni have gone on to influential roles in governments across the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union, major AI companies such as DeepMind, OpenAI, and Anthropic, prominent think tanks including RAND and CSET, and top academic institutions such as Oxford and Cambridge. Since publishing its first research agenda in 2018, GovAI has played a central role in shaping the global AI governance field. Fellowship Overview Seasonal Fellows in the Research Track join GovAI to conduct an independent research project on a topic of their choosing, supported by mentorship from leading experts within GovAI’s team and affiliate network. Fellows are paired with a dedicated supervisor and spend the initial two weeks of the fellowship exploring the AI governance landscape before finalising a research proposal. Research outputs may include a policy report, white paper, academic article, op-ed, or blog post, depending on the fellow’s interests and career goals. Research Managers and the wider GovAI team provide ongoing guidance to ensure that projects are both high quality and relevant to real-world policy and governance challenges. In addition to independent research, fellows participate in a structured programme that includes expert Q&A sessions, seminars, workshops, and work-in-progress meetings designed to build subject-matter expertise, strengthen research skills, and foster peer learning. Social events and networking opportunities are also organised to help fellows build lasting professional relationships and explore follow-on career pathways in AI governance. Eligibility and Target Audience The Summer Fellowship is open to a broad and diverse pool of applicants, ranging from early-career professionals to experienced researchers and policy practitioners. There are no strict degree requirements, and GovAI actively welcomes applicants from varied professional backgrounds, including government, academia, industry, and civil society. The Research Track is particularly well suited to individuals interested in AI governance roles where producing or consuming research and policy analysis is a core responsibility. Relevant areas of expertise include, but are not limited to, public policy, political science, computer science, economics, international relations, risk management, cybersecurity, biosecurity, China studies, and AI assurance and auditing. Selection Criteria Applications are assessed holistically, with particular emphasis on the following qualities: Quality of Work: Demonstrated ability to produce clear, rigorous, and well-reasoned written research Relevant Expertise: Skills, experience, or knowledge applicable to AI governance, regardless of formal academic background Judgement: Strong intuitions about prioritising research questions and assessing feasibility and impact Team Fit: Openness to feedback, intellectual honesty, comfort with uncertainty, and a genuine commitment to contributing to AI governance GovAI strongly encourages applications from candidates motivated by public service and long-term impact, even if their experience does not perfectly align with every listed criterion. Salary, Benefits, and Logistics Summer Fellows receive a £12,000 stipend for the three-month fellowship period, along with support for travel to London. While based in London, fellows are provided with weekday lunches and a dedicated workspace in GovAI’s office. The fellowship is designed as a full-time, in-person role. GovAI is able to sponsor three-month temporary work visas for eligible candidates. Applicants requiring a visa should note that they may need to remain in their home country for part of the visa processing period prior to travel. Senior Candidates GovAI recognises that senior professionals or academics may face constraints that make full participation challenging. In exceptional cases, accommodations may be considered. Senior candidates wishing to explore this option are invited to contact recruitment@governance.ai with the subject line “Senior Candidate Summer Fellowship 2026”, including a CV and a brief explanation of the adjustments required. Application Process and Timeline The application process consists of multiple stages: Written application submission Automated assessment (approximately 20 minutes) Paid remote work test Final remote interview GovAI expects to invite candidates to automated assessments shortly after submission, conduct paid work tests in January, schedule interviews in February, and communicate final decisions in March 2026. Candidates with time-sensitive constraints may contact the recruitment team to request an earlier decision, though this cannot be guaranteed. Commitment to Inclusion GovAI emphasises that addressing complex AI governance challenges requires a wide range of perspectives and skillsets. Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, particularly those who bring unique experiences, interdisciplinary expertise, or non-traditional career paths. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the fellowship organization. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications 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.