The Institute for AI Policy and Strategy (IAPS) AI Policy Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded, three-month programme designed for professionals seeking to build practical skills in artificial intelligence policy and governance. The fellowship supports participants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds who are interested in shaping national and global AI policy outcomes.
Through expert mentorship, hands-on policy work, and exposure to real-world decision-making processes, fellows gain the tools needed to contribute meaningfully to a future shaped by advanced AI systems.
Programme Dates and Location
- Fellowship period: June 1 – August 21, 2026
- Format: Hybrid (Washington, D.C. or fully remote)
- Mandatory in-person residency: June 1–12, 2026 (Washington, D.C.)
Applicants may complete the fellowship either fully in person in Washington, D.C., or remotely. However, all selected fellows must attend the two-week kickoff residency in D.C.
Who Can Apply
The fellowship welcomes applicants from policy and technical backgrounds, including those working in:
- Government
- Industry
- Think tanks
- Research institutions
- Academia
Fellows range from advanced undergraduate students to professionals with decades of experience. The key requirement is a strong understanding of the applicant’s field, AI policy priorities, or both.
Fellowship Structure and Learning Experience
The programme begins with a two-week, in-person residency in Washington, D.C., where fellows explore the AI policy landscape and engage with:
- IAPS researchers
- Visiting AI policy experts
- Fellow participants from around the world
Following the residency, fellows spend 10 weeks working closely with an AI policy expert, developing projects that address pressing national and global policy challenges.
Key focus areas include:
- National security implications of AI
- Government procurement and acquisition of AI systems
- Export controls and AI geopolitics
- Evaluation and governance of advanced AI models
- Hardware-enabled safety mechanisms
- Jurisdiction-specific AI policy (U.S., U.K., EU, and others)
- CBRN-related AI risks
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Project Outputs
Fellows work on concrete, high-impact projects tailored to their interests and expertise. Examples include:
- Writing policy briefs and memos
- Delivering briefings or presentations to government officials
- Contributing to research reports
- Organising international conferences and policy convenings
- Publishing op-eds on emerging or underexplored AI policy issues
- Advising think tanks on expansion into new jurisdictions
- Supporting the operations of newly established AI policy organisations
- Helping design and run Track II policy dialogues
These outputs strengthen fellows’ professional profiles while contributing to real-world policy impact.
Financial Support
The fellowship provides stipends that allow participants to work full-time during the programme:
- Senior Fellows: $22,000
- Fellows: $15,000
In select cases, additional financial support may be available to assist with career transitions after the fellowship.
Additional Benefits
Fellows also receive:
- Weekly one-on-one coaching focused on career development, productivity, and project management
- Ongoing feedback and support from IAPS researchers and policy staff
- Access to a global professional network, with extensive networking opportunities during the D.C. residency
- Structured guidance to prepare for careers in AI policy, government, think tanks, or industry
Day-to-Day Work
Fellows work independently on their projects while maintaining:
- Weekly meetings with their assigned mentor
- Regular check-ins with an IAPS programme manager
The fellowship concludes with fellows presenting their work during the final week of the programme.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the official IAPS application portal.
APPLY FOR THE IAPS AI POLICY FELLOWSHIP
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