The Impact AI Fellowship 2027 invites you to explore that question through a real case, with applications now open at the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG) in Berlin, Germany.
Application Deadline:
- 15 January 2027 (Online info sessions: 10 November 2026 and 17 November 2026)
Tell Me About The Program:
The HIIG Impact AI Fellowship 2027, hosted by the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG) in Berlin, Germany, is a ten-week research program designed for professionals, researchers, and journalists to investigate the real-world societal and environmental impacts of existing AI applications. Fellows learn and apply the innovative “Impact AI Method” to evaluate real-world AI use cases, culminating in lead authorship of an evidence-based assessment case report.
Which Fields are Eligible:
Artificial Intelligence, AI Ethics & Policy, Sustainability, Public Interest Technology, Data Science, Journalism, Civil Society, and related interdisciplinary fields.
Type:
Fully/Partially Funded International Interdisciplinary Research Fellowship
Who can Apply:
- Educational Background: Must hold at least a Master’s degree (an academic publication record is not mandatory).
- Professional Background: Open to individuals working in academia, journalism, civil society organisations, public institutions, and companies engaged with AI, sustainability, or the public interest.
- Competencies: High motivation to learn and apply a complex research method, ability to work independently, and willingness to collaborate in an interdisciplinary peer group.
How are Applicants Selected:
Applications are evaluated based on professional and academic experience, expertise in AI, strength of the motivation letter, and overall alignment with the research goals of the Impact AI project. Proposing an AI case study project is optional.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
Global (open to international applicants worldwide, though participants are responsible for personal expenses like health insurance, visas, and meals unless exceptional support is granted).
Where will the Program be Taken:
Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG) in Berlin, Germany, featuring hybrid/remote research flexibility combined with mandatory in-person workshop blocks.
How Many Fellows:
Competitive international cohort selected annually.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Fixed Fellowship Stipend: €5,000 total lump-sum stipend for the ten-week period (covering applicable taxes/social security in the fellow’s home country).
- Travel & Accommodation Support: Financial assistance towards required travel and accommodation for the in-person Berlin workshop weeks is evaluated on an individual capacity basis.
- Professional Development: Comprehensive training in the Impact AI Method, expert mentorship, interdisciplinary networking, and lead authorship of a published case report with future collaboration opportunities.
How Long Will it Last:
- Preparatory Phase: Begins with a mandatory online session on 11 May 2027.
- Active Fellowship Period: 16 August to 22 October 2027 (includes compulsory full-time in-person blocks in Berlin from 16–20 August and 4–8 October 2027).
How to Apply:
- Prepare your required application files and combine them into a single document:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum 4 pages)
- Letter of Motivation covering AI expertise, organizational background, and motivations (maximum 2 pages)
- Optional AI Project Description (maximum 2 pages, if you wish to propose a specific case study)
- Submit your application through the official online form on the HIIG Impact AI Fellowship call page before 15 January 2027.
