The Accelerator Fellowship Programme, offered by the University of Oxford’s Institute for Ethics in AI, is a pioneering initiative focused on addressing the urgent ethical, societal, and policy challenges brought about by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. Rooted in academic independence, philosophical inquiry, and a human-centered approach, the programme is designed to empower professionals and academics who are committed to shaping an ethical future for AI.

Through strategic collaboration, cross-sector engagement, and interdisciplinary research, the Accelerator Fellowship supports work that delivers practical, real-world impact across key themes such as AI and Creativity, AI in Care and Mental Health, AI and Humanity, and AI, Law and Policy. Applications are now open for fellowships beginning in 2026.

Extensive Eligibility Criteria

The Accelerator Fellowship Programme is open to professionals and academics worldwide who are actively contributing to work at the intersection of artificial intelligence, ethics, and society. Eligibility is determined through academic standing, professional experience, and alignment with the programme’s mission.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

• Be practicing professionals or academics from any discipline.
• Hold a continuing role within a university, not-for-profit research organization, industry, or be otherwise professionally established.
• Be actively engaging with the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence in their field.
• Demonstrate commitment to advancing ethical, responsible, and impact-driven AI.
• Hold a Master’s degree or demonstrate equivalent professional standing, defined as at least five years of relevant professional experience.
• Show that their proposed project aligns with the Accelerator Fellowship Programme’s mission and research focus.

Fellowship Tracks

Eligibility also extends to thematic categories:

• Creativity Fellows: Individuals with a background in creative sectors or those working on the relationship between AI and human creativity.
• Care Fellows: Applicants with a background or interest in AI’s impact on health, social care, or mental health.
• Humanity Fellows: Individuals from the humanities or computer scientists studying AI development, evaluation, or its societal impacts.
• AI, Law & Policy Fellows: Professionals with experience in government, policy, civil society, or legal fields, focusing on AI governance and regulatory challenges.

Additional Requirements

• The programme is open to applicants globally.
• English proficiency is required.

Programme Details: Structure, Duration, and Participation Options

The Accelerator Fellowship provides a flexible, interdisciplinary environment designed to support meaningful work that advances ethical AI.

Fellowship Structure

Fellows will undertake impact-driven research and activities under one of four themes:

• AI and Creativity
• AI in Care, Mental Health and Healthcare
• AI and Humanity
• AI, Law and Policy

Throughout the fellowship, participants will benefit from:

• Intellectual engagement with researchers at the University of Oxford.
• Access to networks that support research, policy development, and real-world impact.
• Participation in seminars, public discussions, and collaborative events.
• Opportunities to build alliances between academia, industry, and civil society.

Modes of Participation

Fellowships may be completed:

1. Remotely, with the possibility of short research visits.
2. Through a longer in-person stay in Oxford, lasting up to six months at a time, subject to immigration and visa requirements.

Important note:
These fellowships are not employed positions with the University of Oxford.

Fellowship Duration

• Fellows receive a formal association with the Institute for 6 or 12 months.
• Start dates begin from February 2026.
• In-person stays should coincide with Oxford University term dates for maximum engagement in events, seminars, and public activities.
• All in-person visits are subject to visa eligibility or existing right-to-work permissions for the UK.

Awards and Funding

Each fellowship award includes:

• A monthly stipend of £2,000 for accommodation, travel, food, and living expenses.
• Optional case-by-case support for project-related costs, including:
  • Workshops
  • Seminars
  • Public exhibitions
  • Events

Applicants requiring additional project funding must include a clear project proposal detailing expected costs.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Application Process

The application process consists of two key steps:

Step 1: Complete the Application Form

Applicants must first complete the application form available via the official programme link indicated as LINK in the call for applications.

Step 2: Email Supporting Documents

Email the following three documents as a single PDF (maximum 10MB) using the naming convention:
Surname_Name_Month_Year_AFP application

Send to: aiethicsafp@philosophy.ox.ac.uk
Email subject line: AFP Fellowship Application

Required documents:

1. One-page project statement including:
   • Research focus
   • Desired outcomes and outputs
   • Alignment with programme goals
   • Potential societal, policy, or business impact
   • Opportunities for longer-term collaboration
   • (If seeking extra funding) proposal for project-related costs
2. Motivation letter
3. Two-page CV

Applicants must also attach a copy of their current passport in the same email.

Important:

• The intake is competitive, and submission does not guarantee acceptance.
• Applicants will be notified of decisions in writing.

Important Dates and Deadlines

2025/2026 Fellowship Cycle

• Applications open: 18 November 2025
• Deadline: 10 January 2026

2026/2027 Fellowship Cycle

• Applications open: 16 May 2026
• Deadline: 13 June 2026

Visa Considerations for In-Person Stays:

• Applicants requiring a visa: apply at least six months in advance.
• Applicants not requiring a visa: apply three months in advance.
  If unsure about visa status, apply six months ahead.

Earliest Remote Fellowship Start Date:

• Mid-February 2026

Immigration Guidance

The Institute will work with successful fellows to support UK visits where possible, within the constraints of the immigration routes available.

Building a More Ethical Future for AI

The Accelerator Fellowship Programme at the University of Oxford’s Institute for Ethics in AI offers a unique, fully funded opportunity for professionals and scholars worldwide to shape the future of ethical artificial intelligence. Through flexible participation options, interdisciplinary collaboration, and access to world-leading expertise, the programme empowers fellows to develop impactful, responsible solutions at the heart of global AI challenges. This fellowship stands as a crucial step toward building a more thoughtful, ethical, and human-centered technological future.

Join | Accelerator Fellowship Programme