Today, we are announcing a call for applications for the OpenAI Safety Fellowship, a new program for external researchers, engineers, and practitioners to pursue rigorous, high-impact research on the safety and alignment of advanced AI systems. The programme will run from September 14, 2026, through February 5, 2027.
Application Deadline:
- 3 May 2026
Tell Me About The Fellowship:
The OpenAI Safety Fellowship is a pilot program designed to support independent, high-impact research on the safety and alignment of advanced AI systems. Fellows will work closely with OpenAI mentors, collaborate with peers, and produce substantial research outputs such as papers, benchmarks, or datasets.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Priority research areas include:
- Safety evaluation
- Ethics and robustness
- Scalable mitigations
- Privacy-preserving safety methods
- Agentic oversight
- High-severity misuse domains
- Other emerging safety-related fields
Type:
- International Fellowship | Research | AI Safety & Alignment
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be external researchers, engineers, or practitioners.
- Have strong research ability, technical judgment, and execution skills (credentials are less important than ability).
- Provide reference contacts.
- Come from diverse backgrounds including computer science, social science, cybersecurity, privacy, HCI, and related fields.
How are Candidates Selected?
- Based on research ability, technical judgment, and relevance of proposed work.
- Emphasis on empirically grounded, technically strong, and community-relevant projects.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- Global eligibility (open internationally).
Where will the Fellowship be Taken?
- Workspace available in Berkeley, California (Constellation).
- Fellows may also work remotely.
How Many Awards?
- Not specified; pilot program with a small cohort.
What is the Benefit of the Fellowship?
- Monthly stipend.
- Compute support and API credits.
- Mentorship from OpenAI experts.
- Networking with peers and access to the Women in Leadership Network.
- Opportunity to produce impactful research outputs.
How Long Will the Fellowship Last?
- September 14, 2026 – February 5, 2027 (18 weeks).
How to Apply:
- Prepare your research proposal and references.
- Apply via the official OpenAI application form.
- Submit before 3 May 2026.
- Successful applicants will be notified by 25 July 2026.
