The University of Oxford Institute for Ethics in AI has launched the Accelerator Fellowship Programme, inviting applications for its inaugural cohort aimed at addressing pressing ethical issues in artificial intelligence. The initiative seeks to advance ethical AI through cross-sector collaboration and is rooted in a commitment to philosophical inquiry and a human-centered approach.
The Fellowship is designed for individuals across various sectors, including academia, industry, civil society, public policy, and the creative and technology industries. Applicants are encouraged to develop interdisciplinary collaborations and expand their networks while contributing to policy-relevant research in AI ethics. Each project undertaken by the Fellows must align with one of four core themes central to the Institute’s mission: AI and Creativity, AI in Care, Mental Health, and Healthcare, AI and Humanity, and AI, Law, and Policy.
For its upcoming cohort, the programme is set to select three to four Fellows who exhibit strong potential to produce meaningful and impactful work. Successful candidates will benefit from a flexible research environment that emphasizes academic independence and allows them to manage their schedules. The programme also encourages participants to identify deliverables for their projects and supports them through professional development opportunities and access to strategic networks.
Among the resources offered to Fellows are a stipend applicable for both in-person and remote participants, coverage for visa costs, and round-trip economy airfare for those traveling to the UK. While the programme is not a taught course, Fellows have the option to engage in seminars and events hosted by the Institute for Ethics in AI and other university departments. Minimal structured elements, including a kick-off meeting and a one-day retreat, are designed to foster dialogue and community among the Fellows.
Fellows are expected to pursue independent, impact-driven projects within the framework of the programme’s thematic areas. As part of the fellowship requirements, participants will need to submit a short written summary of their work at the conclusion of their tenure, which will be published on the Accelerator Fellowship Programme website. Additional opportunities for dissemination, such as talks or podcasts, may also be considered.
The application timeline for the Accelerator Fellowship Programme indicates that applications for the 2025/2026 cohort will open on 18 November 2025, with a deadline set for 10 January 2026. The following year’s application window will be available from 16 May 2026 to 13 June 2026. For in-person Fellowships, start dates are anticipated for April or September, with applicants requiring visas encouraged to apply a minimum of six months before their intended start date.
Remote Fellowships will have their earliest start date in late February 2026, providing additional flexibility for participants. The programme urges prospective applicants to explore the Institute’s events and available resources prior to submitting their applications. Due to a high volume of inquiries, the Institute notes it may not be able to respond to all questions individually and advises careful review of the application guidelines.
The Accelerator Fellowship Programme presents a unique opportunity for individuals dedicated to shaping the ethical landscape of AI. By fostering independent, impactful work and promoting cross-sector collaboration, the programme aims to cultivate a new generation of thinkers and practitioners who can influence the global dialogue surrounding responsible AI development and deployment.
For further details on the application process, interested individuals can refer to the official website of the Institute for Ethics in AI at the University of Oxford. Inquiries can be sent to [email protected].
As interest in ethical AI continues to grow, initiatives such as the Accelerator Fellowship Programme are crucial in ensuring that the development of artificial intelligence is guided by strong ethical foundations, providing not only a framework for research but also a pathway for meaningful societal impact.
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