The Accelerator Fellowship Programme 2026 at the University of Oxford Institute for Ethics in AI is now open to established professionals and academics worldwide. Importantly, the application deadline is 15 June 2026, 23:59 (UK time).
This fellowship supports high-impact research and projects on ethical and responsible AI. Fellows join the Institute for 6 or 12 months and can participate remotely, through short visits to Oxford, or through a longer in-person stay in Oxford, UK.
Key Details:
Application Deadline: 15 June 2026, 23:59 (UK time)
Eligible Countries: Worldwide
Program Duration: Association with the Institute for 6 or 12 months. Remote fellowships earliest start September 2026; in-person start dates from April 2027 or September 2027. In-person stays in Oxford may be up to 6 months at a time.
Program Location: Remote participation with intermittent short visits to Oxford or longer in-person stays in Oxford, UK (subject to visa/immigration eligibility).
Funding/Benefits: A monthly stipend of £2,000 to support accommodation, travel, food, and living expenses
Award Provider: University of Oxford – Institute for Ethics in AI
About this Program
The Accelerator Fellowship Programme supports independent, impact-driven work that aligns with the mission of the Programme and at least one research priority of the Institute for Ethics in AI.
In addition, the programme offers intellectual engagement, greater visibility, and access to seminars and Institute events. The structure is flexible, so fellows can combine remote participation with visits to Oxford when appropriate.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants from around the world can apply, provided they have proficiency in English.
- The programme is open to practising professionals and academics from any discipline.
- Applicants should hold a continuing role within a university, not-for-profit research organisation, industry, or be otherwise professionally established.
- Applicants with a PhD must provide evidence of at least two peer-reviewed publications.
- They must also show a rising research trajectory, including at least one grant awarded as PI or Co-I.
- Applicants without a PhD must demonstrate equivalent professional standing with a minimum of 7 years of experience.
- Non-PhD applicants must also show advanced expertise, original contributions, peer or professional recognition, and significant impact.
- Projects must have a clear path to meaningful impact.
- Projects must align with the mission of the Accelerator Fellowship Programme and at least one research priority of the Institute for Ethics in AI.
What Fellows Receive: A monthly stipend of £2,000; economy airfare and visa costs covered; potential additional project-related funding on a case-by-case basis.
Program Components
Fellows are expected to pursue an independent project and manage their time without formal supervision. They will submit a short written summary of intended research outcomes for publication on the AFP website and share updates during the fellowship.
They will also participate in seminars, talks, events, a one-day retreat, and an induction meeting. As the fellowship progresses, fellows will present outputs and milestones agreed during the selection or interview process.
- Monthly stipend of £2,000
- Economy airfare to/from the UK and visa costs covered
- Possible support for project-related costs such as workshops, seminars, exhibitions, and events on a case-by-case basis
- Association with the University of Oxford’s Institute for Ethics in AI
- Increased visibility through seminars, public discussions, and collaborative events
- Flexible structure allowing fellows to combine remote participation with visits to Oxford
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the online application form through the official programme page. Before you apply, prepare the required materials below:
- Online application form
- Project statement (max 500 words)
- Motivation letter (max 500 words)
- CV (max two pages)
The programme plans to award 3-4 fellowships. If you meet the eligibility criteria, apply before the deadline.
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
