The GovAI Research Fellowship 2026 is a paid research opportunity offered by the Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) for individuals who want to contribute to high-impact research on artificial intelligence governance. The programme recruits researchers to study topics such as frontier AI regulation, AI risk management, threat modelling, AI economics, geopolitics of AI, and technical governance.
GovAI welcomes applicants from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. There is no formal degree requirement, making the programme accessible to candidates with strong research ability, analytical thinking, and a demonstrated interest in AI governance. Researchers from computer science, economics, law, philosophy, political science, public policy, international relations, government, industry, think tanks, and civil society are encouraged to apply.
The 2026 recruitment includes two positions—Research Fellow and Research Scholar—with a single application covering both roles.
Quick Highlights for GovAI Research Fellowship 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) |
| Preferred Locations | London, United Kingdom & Washington, DC, United States |
| Positions | Research Fellow & Research Scholar |
| Degree Requirement | No formal degree requirement |
| Eligible Nationalities | Open to applicants of all nationalities |
| Research Fellow Salary | £84,000–£103,500 (London) / $134,500–$170,000 (Washington, DC) |
| Research Scholar Salary | £75,000–£103,500 (London) / $100,000–$165,000 (Washington, DC) |
| Duration | Research Fellow: 2 years (renewable) • Research Scholar: 12 months (fixed term) |
| Application Fee | None |
| Applications | Currently Open |
| Application Deadline | 16 August 2026 (23:59 Anywhere on Earth) |
| Official Website | governance.ai |
About the GovAI Research Fellowship 2026
The Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) is an independent research organisation that develops practical policy solutions for governing advanced artificial intelligence. Its work supports governments, international organisations, researchers, and policymakers in addressing the opportunities and risks associated with increasingly capable AI systems.
Research Fellow
The Research Fellow position is a two-year renewable appointment for experienced researchers capable of producing independent, policy-relevant research. Fellows are expected to lead their own research agenda, publish high-quality work, contribute to public policy discussions, and mentor junior researchers.
Research Scholar
The Research Scholar position is a 12-month fixed-term role designed for professionals and researchers who are transitioning into AI governance or expanding their expertise in the field. Scholars receive supervision while developing independent research projects and may apply for a Research Fellow position after completing their appointment.
Both positions contribute to research across areas including:
- AI governance and regulation
- Frontier AI risk management
- Threat modelling
- Economics of advanced AI
- Geopolitics of AI
- Technical governance of frontier AI systems
Financial Benefits for GovAI Research Fellowship 2026
Successful candidates receive competitive salaries together with an extensive employee benefits package.
Research Fellow
London
- £84,000–£103,500 per year
Washington, DC
- $134,500–$170,000 per year
Research Scholar
London
- £75,000–£103,500 per year
Washington, DC
- $100,000–$165,000 per year
In addition to salary, GovAI provides:
- Full health, dental, and vision insurance
- £5,000 annual wellbeing budget (or equivalent salary uplift for eligible US-based staff)
- £5,000 annual professional development budget
- £5,000 annual childcare budget
- Up to £4,500 annual coworking budget for eligible remote staff
- 10% employer pension contribution
- Ergonomic home office equipment support
- 33 days of paid annual leave, including public holidays
Check Other Fully funded Scholarships: 🎓 Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program 2027.
Eligibility Criteria for GovAI Research Fellowship 2026
The GovAI Research Fellowship 2026 is open to applicants worldwide. Instead of requiring specific academic qualifications, GovAI focuses on research ability, analytical thinking, and the potential to contribute to AI governance.
Applicants should generally meet the following criteria:
- Open to applicants of all nationalities.
- No mandatory bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree requirement.
- Strong interest in AI governance or closely related policy research.
- Excellent analytical, research, and writing skills.
- Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.
- Relevant experience in academia, government, industry, think tanks, or civil society is beneficial.
Position Expectations
Research Fellow
Applicants should demonstrate:
- A strong record of producing independent, high-quality research.
- Expertise in a field relevant to AI governance.
- Good understanding of AI governance issues.
- A clear explanation of how the position will increase their long-term impact.
Research Scholar
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong research potential or a record of excellent professional work.
- Interest in AI governance with expertise in a relevant field.
- A clear explanation of how the programme will support their career development and impact.
Location and Visa Sponsorship
GovAI Research Fellowship 2026prefers researchers to be based in London or Washington, DC, although applicants in other locations may also be considered depending on the project and supervisor.
Regarding work authorization:
- UK-based positions include visa sponsorship where required.
- US visa sponsorship is available only in exceptional cases, and applicants generally need existing authorization to work in the United States.
Applicants with questions about location or visa arrangements can contact GovAI’s recruitment team before applying.
Required Documents for GovAI Research Fellowship 2026
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Completed online application form
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé
- Research proposal or research agenda
- Writing sample (academic paper, policy report, analytical essay, or similar work)
- Contact details for two professional or academic referees
A strong writing sample and well-developed research agenda are important components of the evaluation process.
Check Other Fully funded Scholarships: 🎓Schwarzman Scholars Program 2027.
Application Process for GovAI Research Fellowship 2026
The application is completed online through GovAI’s official recruitment system.
- Submit the online application form.
- Upload your CV, research proposal, writing sample, and referee details.
- Complete the abstract reasoning assessment if shortlisted.
- Selected candidates complete paid remote work test(s), followed by interviews and reference checks.
One application is considered for both the Research Fellow and Research Scholar positions, so applicants do not need to submit separate applications.
There is no application fee for either role.
Important Dates for GovAI Research Fellowship 2026
The following dates have been verified from the official GovAI recruitment pages.
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications | Currently Open |
| Application Deadline | 16 August 2026 (23:59 Anywhere on Earth) |
| Research Fellow Appointment | 2 years (renewable) |
| Research Scholar Appointment | 12 months (fixed term) |
GovAI announces seasonal fellowship opportunities separately. Applicants interested in future cohorts should monitor the official opportunities page for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GovAI Research Fellowship fully funded?
Yes. Both positions are fully funded and offer competitive salaries together with comprehensive employee benefits.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. Applicants of all nationalities are eligible to apply.
Do I need a university degree?
No. GovAI does not require a formal degree. Applications are evaluated on research ability, analytical skills, and relevant experience.
Is there an application fee?
No. Applying for the GovAI Research Fellowship is completely free
Can I work remotely?
Yes. Remote work may be available depending on the project and supervisor, although London and Washington, DC are the preferred locations.
Does GovAI sponsor visas?
Yes. UK visa sponsorship is available where required. US visa sponsorship is limited to exceptional cases.
Do I need to submit separate applications for both roles?
No. A single application is considered for both the Research Fellow and Research Scholar positions.