University of Cambridge ERA:AI Fellowship 2026 | Fully Funded

Scholarships for International

The University of Cambridge ERA:AI Fellowship offers a fully funded 8-week research program held at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. It targets researchers and entrepreneurs working on mitigating the risks associated with advanced artificial intelligence.
The upcoming winter cohort will take place from February 2 to March 27, 2026, and the application deadline is October 30, 2025.
The program aims to support research that integrates both technical and policy perspectives in addressing AI challenges, as its organizers believe that mitigating AI risks requires the collaboration of both technical and governance approaches.

Fellowship Details

Location and Duration

Location: University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
Duration: 8 weeks
Dates: February 2 – March 27, 2026

Funding Provided

The fellowship is fully funded and includes:

A competitive salary equivalent to £34,125 per year (prorated for the 8-week program).
Free accommodation throughout the fellowship period.
Complimentary meals during working hours.
Full visa and travel support.
Research management and advanced computing resources to support research projects.

Research Areas

1. Technical AI Safety

This area focuses on the technical aspects of ensuring the safety of advanced AI systems.
While AI offers immense opportunities, it also introduces novel risks—especially as systems surpass human intelligence.
Research in this field aims to develop secure systems whose decisions and behaviors remain under human control and are designed with rigorous safeguards to prevent harmful or unpredictable outcomes.

2. AI Governance

This track addresses the regulatory and administrative aspects of dealing with intelligent systems.
As AI capabilities expand, effective governance becomes increasingly crucial to reduce risks and prevent misuse.
The fellowship supports research that seeks to:

Strengthen international cooperation on AI policies.
Develop stronger regulatory and legal frameworks in key jurisdictions.
Promote responsible corporate governance.
Tackle emerging issues such as managing autonomous AI systems and enhancing cybersecurity to prevent sensitive model leaks.

3. Technical AI Governance

This area focuses on the intersection of technology and policy, recognizing that AI development is both a social and technical challenge.
It aims to leverage the technical infrastructure of AI systems to support governance objectives—empowering institutions and policymakers to make informed decisions that guide AI development toward a safer and more beneficial future for humanity.

Mentorship and Research Environment

Fellows work closely with expert mentors in AI-related fields, carefully matched after acceptance.
Participants benefit from Cambridge’s wide network of researchers and practitioners.
The program provides a collaborative working environment, with fellows given dedicated office spaces and shared living arrangements to foster intellectual exchange and collaboration.

Program Activities

During the fellowship, fellows participate in over 30 research and community events, including:

Workshops and discussion evenings.
Weekly mentorship sessions.
Networking events with AI experts and institutions.
Social and cultural activities to strengthen ties within the Cambridge research community.

Program Goals

1. Mitigating AI Risks

The fellowship focuses on developing both technical and policy-based solutions to address major challenges such as:

Preventing the uncontrolled emergence of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).
Maintaining human control over automated decision-making.
Establishing ethical and legislative safeguards for AI research, development, and deployment.

2. Building a Strong Research Portfolio

Participants receive weekly one-on-one mentorship from specialized researchers and the opportunity to work on a real-world research project that contributes to advancing the field.
Many alumni have published their work in prestigious conferences such as NeurIPS.

3. Developing Professional Connections

The fellowship provides an opportunity to build long-term relationships with peers and professionals from around the world, featuring weekly social events designed to strengthen collaboration and community spirit.

Eligibility

The program is open to anyone aged 18 or older, with no strict academic or professional restrictions.
Applicants from all disciplines and backgrounds are welcome, especially:

PhD students seeking to align their research with AI safety.
Professionals from technical or policy fields aiming to transition into AI governance or safety.
Early-career researchers looking to deepen their expertise in technical or governance research.
Individuals with unique perspectives that could enhance our understanding of AI risks.

Application Process

Application Deadline: October 30, 2025

Stages of Application

Written Application:
Consists of several short essay questions and takes about two hours to complete.
First Interview:
The top 20% of applicants will be invited for an initial interview (date to be confirmed).
Second Interview:
Selected candidates will attend a short 15-minute second interview, during which referees will also be contacted.
Final Acceptance:
After selection, the team will work closely with new fellows to develop their project ideas and match them with appropriate mentors.