20 days left Fully Funded

GovAI Research Fellowship 2026 (UK & USA Sponsorship)

Last updated Jul 27, 2026

Deadline

2026-08-16

Country

United Kingdom, United States

Level

fellowship

Organization

Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI)

Field

AI Risk Management, AI Governance, Public Policy, Technical AI Governance, AI Economics, Geopolitics of AI, Threat Modeling, AI Safety, Strategic Policy Research

Funding

fully funded

Overview

The GovAI Research Fellowship is a two-year renewable position for experienced researchers worldwide. The fellowship focuses on conducting impactful research on AI governance to help policymakers, governments, and organizations navigate the challenges of advanced artificial intelligence. Fellows will be placed in either the United Kingdom or the United States.

Coverage

This is a fully-funded fellowship. Benefits include a competitive annual salary based on experience and location (e.g., £84,000–£103,500 in London or $134,500–$170,000 in Washington, DC), with additional pay for high cost-of-living locations. It also includes visa sponsorship (for the UK, and in exceptional cases for the US), health, dental, and vision insurance, annual budgets for wellbeing, professional development, and childcare, a coworking space allowance for remote employees, flexible working hours, extended parental leave, ergonomic equipment support, a 10% employer pension contribution, and 33 days of paid annual leave (including public holidays).

Eligibility

This fellowship is open to experienced researchers from all nationalities worldwide. There are no formal degree requirements, and candidates from academic, government, industry, and civil society backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Applicants must have demonstrated experience conducting high-quality research, possess expertise in AI governance or a closely related discipline, show a strong interest in shaping the future of AI responsibly, have a track record of producing impactful research, be able to work independently while collaborating with other researchers, and be interested in mentoring junior researchers.

Requirements

Applicants are expected to develop independent research agendas, publish policy papers, reports, and academic research, and advise governments and decision-makers. The research areas include AI Risk Management, AI Governance, Public Policy, Technical AI Governance, AI Economics, Geopolitics of AI, Threat Modeling, AI Safety, and Strategic Policy Research.

How to apply

Applicants must submit an online application through the official GovAI website. The application deadline is August 16, 2026.

Notes

The fellowship duration is two years, with the possibility of renewal. Visa sponsorship is available for the UK, and in exceptional cases for the US.

Source & Verification

Host organization: Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI)

Original source: OpportunitiesCorners

Official application page: https://www.governance.ai/post/research-fellow

Verify the deadline, eligibility, and document list on the official website before applying.

How to Apply

1

Read the full requirements

Visit the official application page and read all eligibility criteria carefully before investing time in the application.
2

Gather your documents

Collect transcripts, certificates, and references. Official copies may require apostille — start this process early.
3

Request recommendation letters

Contact your referees at least 4–6 weeks before the deadline. Brief them on the scholarship and your goals.
4

Write your motivation letter

Be specific about your goals, why you chose this program, and your plan to contribute to Ethiopia after completing your studies.
5

Proofread and submit early

Submit at least 3–5 days before the deadline. Technical issues are common — never submit on the last day.