FELLOWSHIPS

Applications are now open for the University of Oxford Accelerator Fellowship Programme 2026/27 (monthly stipend of £2,000 awarded)

Ednah Carrick June 5, 2026

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Closing Date: 15 June 2026

Applications are now open for the University of Oxford Accelerator Fellowship Programme 2026/27 (monthly stipend of £2,000 awarded)

Overview of the Accelerator Fellowship Programme 2026/27

Advancing Ethical AI Through Collaboration

The Accelerator Fellowship Programme is a pioneering initiative of Oxford’s Institute for Ethics in AI, designed to address the urgent ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence. Grounded in philosophical inquiry, academic independence, and a collaborative ethos, the Programme supports work that

has strong impact beyond the academy
favours the development of AI in a responsible and ethical direction
is aligned with least one research priority of the Institute for Ethics in AI
amplifies the impact of research already ongoing at the Institute

Impacts could include (but are not restricted to)

policy or governance innovation in AI
the creation of new professional development opportunities in the AI industry and related sectors
commercial or technical innovation in responsible AI
the creation of strategic networks and alliances
the transformation of public discourse about, or public awareness of, AI, in particular with an ethics focus

Application Guidance

Please note the following:

Oxford is seeking to support projects that are already on a clear path to creating meaningful impact.
This fellowship is not intended for early-stage or proof-of-concept proposals, nor for proposals focused solely on blue-skies research.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate that their project is already in development, with relevant partnerships either established or clearly identified.
Proposals must include a well-defined roadmap for delivery, alongside clear indicators of how impact will be achieved and measured.

Oxford is looking to recruit 3-4 fellows for this Accelerator Fellowship Programme 2026/27 cohort.

Who is the Fellowship for?

The Fellowship Programme is designed for practising professionals and academics from any discipline, who hold a continuing role within a university, not-for-profit research organisation, industry or who are otherwise professionally established and actively engaging with the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence.

Oxford is looking for individuals who are committed to:

ethical and responsible AI
meaningful, real-world impacts in their field
cross-sector collaboration and thought leadership

The Programme is open to applicants worldwide. Proficiency in English is required.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants who hold a PhD must:

Provide evidence of peer-reviewed publications (minimum of two).
Provide evidence of a rising trajectory of research including at least one grant awarded as either Principal Investigator (PI), or Co-investigator (Co-I).

Applicants without a PhD must:

Have equivalent professional standing (minimum 7 years) in a relevant specialised field, and will need to evidence:
- advanced expertise
- a track record of original contributions
- peer or professional recognition
- evidence of significant impact in their field

All applicants must:

Demonstrate that their project aligns with:
- the mission of the Accelerator Fellowship Programme
- at least one research priority of the Institute for Ethics in AI
Demonstrate proficiency in English.

What the Fellowship offers

The Accelerator Fellowship provides a unique opportunity to advance your work at the intersection of AI and ethics, with support from the University of Oxford’s Institute for Ethics in AI.

Fellows will benefit from:

Intellectual engagement and guidance, working alongside Oxford researchers
Increased visibility through participation in seminars, public discussions, and collaborative events
A flexible structure, allowing fellows to integrate the programme into their existing professional commitments

Fellowships can be undertaken:

Remotely, with intermittent short visits to Oxford
Through a longer in-person stay in Oxford (up to 6 months at a time, provided immigration eligibility criteria for an appropriate UK visa are met)

Awards and Funding

Each award includes:

A monthly stipend of £2,000 to support accommodation, travel, food, and living expenses
On a case-by-case basis we would consider support for project-related costs such as:
- workshops
- seminars
- public exhibitions or events

Applicants should include a clear project proposal in their application if they wish to be considered for this additional funding.