Applications are open for Professionals and academics working on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence to apply for the 2026/27 Accelerator Fellowship Programme hosted by the Institute for Ethics in AI at the University of Oxford.

The fellowship supports individuals who are already developing impactful projects related to responsible and ethical AI and are seeking opportunities to expand their work through collaboration, research engagement, and access to Oxford’s global academic network.

The programme is open to applicants from around the world and welcomes experts from a wide range of disciplines, including technology, law, public policy, social sciences, business, healthcare, and other fields connected to the development and governance of artificial intelligence.

About the Fellowship

The Accelerator Fellowship Programme was established to encourage practical solutions to the ethical challenges emerging from advances in artificial intelligence. Through a flexible fellowship structure, participants will work alongside researchers and thought leaders while continuing to pursue their professional activities.

The programme is particularly interested in projects that have moved beyond the conceptual stage and demonstrate clear pathways to measurable impact.

Areas of impact may include:

• AI governance and policy innovation
• Responsible AI development and implementation
• Public engagement and awareness on AI ethics
• Professional training and capacity-building initiatives
• Cross-sector partnerships and collaborations
• Ethical technology innovation
• Strategic networks that advance responsible AI practices

Additional funding may be considered for activities such as:

• Workshops
• Conferences
• Public exhibitions
• Seminars
• Community engagement initiatives

Economy-class travel and visa-related expenses may also be covered for fellows visiting the United Kingdom.

Fellowship Format and Duration

Fellowships may be undertaken remotely or through a period of residence in Oxford.

Participants can choose between:

• Six-month fellowship
• Twelve-month fellowship

The programme is designed to remain flexible, allowing fellows to balance participation alongside their existing professional responsibilities.

Remote fellows may begin as early as September 2026, while in-person fellowships are expected to commence from April or September 2027.

Additional Requirements

All applicants must:

• Demonstrate strong alignment with the mission of the Accelerator Fellowship Programme
• Show how their project connects to at least one research priority of the Institute for Ethics in AI
• Present a project that is already under development
• Outline a clear implementation plan and measurable impact pathway
• Possess proficiency in English

The project statement should explain:

• The focus of the proposed work
• Intended outcomes and deliverables
• Alignment with the fellowship’s objectives
• Expected societal, policy, commercial, or academic impact
• Fellowship duration requested
• Budget justification for any additional funding requests

Key Dates

• Applications Open: 25 May 2026
• Application Deadline: 15 June 2026 (23:59 UK Time)
• Remote Fellowship Start: From September 2026
• In-Person Fellowship Start: From April or September 2027

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached to apply now.