Deadline: March 1, 2026
The GovAI DC Summer Fellowship 2026 offers a unique opportunity for professionals and researchers to advance their careers in AI governance and policy. Hosted in Washington, DC, this prestigious three-month, in-person fellowship brings together talented individuals to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, government, and public policy.
About the GovAI DC Summer Fellowship 2026
The GovAI DC Summer Fellowship 2026 is organised by GovAI (Governance of AI), a non-profit research organisation dedicated to building safe and effective governance frameworks for artificial intelligence.
This programme is designed to accelerate the careers of individuals interested in shaping the future of AI policy, particularly in the United States. Fellows will undertake independent research on AI-related topics of their choice, guided by experienced mentors. Participants will also engage in workshops, policy discussions, Q&A sessions, and networking events with senior policymakers, academics, and industry experts.
Programme Details
- Fellowship Duration: 3 months
- Dates: 8 June – 28 August 2026
- Location: Washington, DC, United States
- Format: In-person
Fellows will work full-time from GovAI’s Washington, DC office, with weekday lunches provided and access to a collaborative work environment that encourages innovative thinking and professional growth.
Benefits
Selected fellows will receive a total stipend of approximately $21,000 (around $7,000 per month) for the duration of the programme. In addition to financial support, fellows will benefit from:
- Travel assistance to and from Washington, DC
- Office space and resources for the duration of the fellowship
- Professional development workshops and career mentoring
- Access to exclusive events and policy seminars with leaders in AI governance
This comprehensive package ensures that fellows can focus fully on their research and policy contributions without financial constraints.
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship welcomes applicants from a broad range of academic and professional backgrounds, including but not limited to:
- Public Policy
- Political Science
- Engineering
- Economics
- Risk and Security Studies
- Law, Philosophy, and Data Science
There are no strict academic degree requirements. Instead, the selection committee looks for individuals with strong analytical and writing skills, a deep interest in AI policy and governance, and the capacity to contribute to informed policy discussions.
Please note that applicants must have the legal right to work in the United States. Unfortunately, visa sponsorship is not available for this programme.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed on the following criteria:
- Quality of analytical and written work
- Relevant expertise or demonstrable potential in AI governance
- Sound judgment and capacity to develop and manage a policy research project
- Collaborative skills and suitability for a team-based research environment
Successful applicants will demonstrate intellectual curiosity, policy awareness, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of safe and effective AI policy.
Application Process
The application process involves several stages to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of candidates:
- Written Application: Candidates submit detailed responses outlining their research interests and motivation.
- Abstract Reasoning Assessment: Applicants complete a short analytical task designed to evaluate reasoning and problem-solving skills.
- Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews and reference checks.
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by 1 March 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.
Why You Should Apply
This fellowship offers a rare opportunity to contribute to one of the most urgent policy challenges of our time — the governance of artificial intelligence. As a GovAI DC Summer Fellow, you’ll work at the heart of policy innovation, gain access to an influential professional network, and contribute directly to the shaping of responsible AI systems and regulations.
If you are passionate about AI, technology policy, and global governance, the GovAI DC Summer Fellowship 2026 is your gateway to a meaningful and impactful career in this fast-growing field.
📅 Deadline: 1 March 2026
📍 Location: Washington, DC, United States
📆 Duration: 8 June – 28 August 2026
👉 Read More About the Programme
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