Cambridge ERA: AI Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded)

The Cambridge ERA: AI Fellowship is an 8 week research programme hosted in Cambridge, UK, with the winter fellowship starting on 2nd February 2026. 

What the Fellowship Offers 

• Full funding: Fellows receive a salary equivalent to £34,125 per year, which will be prorated to the duration of the Fellowship. On top of this, fellows receive complimentary accommodation, meal provisions during working hours, visa support, and travel expense coverage.
• Expert mentorship: Fellows will work closely with a mentor on their research agenda for the fellowship. See the Mentors page to learn about previous mentors (but note that ERA mentors differ for each cohort as we match fellows with mentors once they are accepted).
• Research Support: Many alumni have published in leading venues such as NeurIPS, showcasing the programme’s academic credibility. Fellows benefit from hands-on research support and guidance tailored to help them become impactful researchers and policymakers.
• Community: Fellows are immersed in a living-learning environment. They will have a dedicated desk space at our office in Cambridge and are housed together. There are regular social events and community activities throughout the fellowship.
• Networking and learning opportunities: The program facilitates introductions to global organizations working in AI safety and policy, helping fellows expand professional networks and explore long-term career pathways. Additional financial assistance may be offered in select cases for impactful career transitions. 

Eligibility 

The fellowship is open to all applicants aged 18+. ERA prioritizes talent, motivation, and commitment to responsible AI development over traditional credentials. 

The programme is especially suited for: 

• PhD students aligning their research with AI safety
• Professionals in technical or policy roles transitioning into AI governance
• Early-career researchers in AI, ethics, law, public policy, or related fields
• Individuals with unique perspectives contributing to global understanding of AI risks 

Early-career researchers, PhD students, and working professionals from fields such as law, engineering, computer science, or related disciplines are highly encouraged to apply, but this is a non-exhaustive list. 

Research Focus Areas 

During the 8-week Fellowship, ERA fellows develop and complete a research project on technical and/or governance measures to mitigate the risks posed by frontier AI systems. They have the support of ERA’s research managers, mentors, and wider institutional network. For examples of previous projects, see the Previous Research Projects page. 

In 2026, ERA is particularly interested in three research streams: 

1. Technical AI Governance

2. AI Governance

3. Technical AI Safety

Application Process 

• The first stage of the application process primarily consists of short essay questions (and should take you about 2 hours). In your responses, you are recommended to focus on content rather than polish. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis and applicants who progress to the next stage will be invited for two interviews. All successful applicants will be notified by mid-November.
• Interview — Round 1
• Interview — Round 2
• Final Offers 

For full details, visit the official page of the fellowship.