Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026 Accelerator Fellowship Programme offered by the University of Oxford’s Institute for Ethics in AI. This innovative fellowship aims to tackle the pressing ethical dilemmas emerging from advancements in artificial intelligence. Rooted in rigorous philosophical analysis, academic freedom, and a collaborative, human-centered approach, the programme fosters projects that seek tangible impact through a combination of:
- Opportunities for professional growth and skill development
- Access to strategic partnerships and influential networks
- Development of practical and policy-oriented AI ethics interventions
The fellowship invites applicants to focus their work around one of four key thematic areas:
- AI, Law and Policy: Exploring regulatory, legislative, and societal governance aspects of AI
- AI and Creativity: Investigating the intersection of artificial intelligence and human creative processes
- AI in Care, Mental Health and Healthcare: Studying AI’s influence and application in health and social care contexts
- AI and Humanity: Examining AI's broader impact on humanistic disciplines and societal values
This fellowship is tailored for both established academics and practicing professionals across all disciplines who hold a permanent or continuing position within universities, nonprofit research entities, or industry sectors. It also welcomes those who are recognized as professionals actively engaging with AI’s evolving landscape and challenges.
Ideal candidates are those who demonstrate:
- A deep commitment to promoting ethical and responsible AI development
- A strong desire to create significant, real-world change within their professional domain
- Interest and enthusiasm for cross-sector collaboration and shaping thought leadership
The programme is open internationally, with the requirement that applicants have proficiency in English.
Fellowship Focus Areas and Backgrounds
- Creativity Fellows: Individuals with experience in creative industries or research focused on AI’s interplay with human creativity.
- Care Fellows: Candidates with expertise or interest in AI’s impact on healthcare, mental health, or social care sectors.
- Humanity Fellows: Scholars from humanities disciplines or computer scientists studying AI development, evaluation, or societal effects.
- AI, Law & Policy Fellows: Professionals from government, policy-making, legal fields, or civil society focusing on AI governance and regulation.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must:
- Hold a Master’s degree or possess equivalent professional expertise (e.g., a minimum of five years relevant professional experience)
- Present a project proposal that aligns with the Accelerator Fellowship Programme’s mission and research remit
What the Fellowship Offers
The University of Oxford’s Institute for Ethics in AI provides fellows with an exceptional platform to advance their work at the intersection of AI and ethics. Benefits include:
- Entry to a diverse and influential network supporting research, policymaking, and impactful initiatives
- Ongoing intellectual engagement and mentorship by leading Oxford researchers
- Enhanced visibility through seminars, public talks, and collaborative events
- A flexible programme structure enabling fellows to integrate the fellowship with their current professional responsibilities
Fellows may choose to participate remotely, with options for occasional short visits to Oxford, or opt for an extended in-person residency of up to six months—subject to visa and immigration eligibility requirements.
Note: The fellowship does not constitute employment by the University of Oxford.
Awards and Financial Support
Each successful applicant will receive a monthly stipend of £2,000 designed to cover living costs including accommodation, meals, and travel. Additionally, depending on the project’s needs, discretionary funding may be available to support specific activities such as workshops, seminars, exhibitions, or public engagement events.
Applicants wishing to be considered for supplementary project funding must include a detailed proposal outlining these costs within their application.
Duration and Timing
The fellowship association with the Institute lasts either six or twelve months, beginning as early as February 2026. The programme is intentionally flexible, allowing participants to combine remote work with visits to Oxford, or to undertake a longer continuous residency.
Those planning in-person stays should aim to coincide with Oxford’s academic term dates to maximize their engagement with seminars, workshops, and public events. All UK visits require fellows to either have the right to work in the UK or meet visa requirements for the appropriate immigration category.
How to Submit Your Application
Follow these steps to apply:
- Complete the online application form via this LINK.
- Prepare three documents compiled into a single PDF file (max size 10MB), named using the format 'Surname_Name_Month_Year_AFP application', and email it to ethics.ai@ox.ac.uk with the subject line “AFP Fellowship Application”. The documents required are:
- Project Statement (1 page): Describe the focus of your work, intended outcomes and outputs, alignment with programme objectives, potential impact on society, policy, or business, opportunities for sustained collaboration, and if applicable, your proposal for additional funding to support project activities
- Motivation Letter: Outline your personal and professional motivations for applying
- Curriculum Vitae (2 pages): Summarize your relevant academic and professional background
- Include a scanned copy of your current passport in the same email.
Additional Information
For comprehensive details, timelines, and FAQs, please Visit the Official Webpage of the University of Oxford Accelerator Fellowship Programme.
Application Deadline: 10 January 2026
