Who this is for: Researchers, policy professionals and early-career candidates from any country who want to work on how AI should be governed. You don’t need a particular degree, and GovAI can sponsor a temporary UK work visa.
The Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) is recruiting for its UK Summer Fellowship 2027. Fellows spend three months in London, from 7 June to 27 August 2027, working on an independent AI governance research project with a mentor from GovAI’s team or network. The fellowship pays a salary of £14,000, plus travel to London.
Deadline: 22 November 2026, 23:59 UK time (GMT).
At a Glance
| Host | Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) |
| Track | Research Track (an Applied Track is also open) |
| Dates | 7 June – 27 August 2027 (three months, full-time) |
| Location | GovAI’s London office, in person |
| Salary | £14,000, plus travel to London |
| Visa | GovAI can sponsor temporary UK work visas |
| Who can apply | Applicants from anywhere; no strict degree requirement |
| Deadline | 22 November 2026, 23:59 GMT |
About GovAI and the Fellowship
GovAI is a research organisation focused on the governance of artificial intelligence. On the Research Track, fellows spend their first two weeks exploring the AI governance landscape, then settle on a research proposal with their supervisor. The output can be a report, white paper, journal article, op-ed or blog post aimed at people working on AI governance.
Alongside their project, fellows join expert Q&A sessions, weekly seminars, skills workshops, work-in-progress meetings for peer feedback, and social events. GovAI says the track suits people heading for roles where producing or using research and policy analysis is a main part of the job.
Benefits
- A salary of £14,000 for the three months
- Support with travel to London
- A desk in GovAI’s London office and lunch on weekdays
- Mentorship from a supervisor on the GovAI team or network
- UK visa sponsorship for those who need it
- Up to two remote days a week for fellows with children or other caring responsibilities, on full salary
Eligibility
- Open to applicants from government, academia, industry or civil society, from early-career to experienced researchers and policy professionals.
- No strict degree requirement. Strong candidates usually have graduate study, research experience or policy experience.
- Relevant fields include public policy, political science, computer science, economics, biosecurity, cybersecurity, China studies and risk management, but the list isn’t exhaustive.
- You must be able to work full-time and in person in London for the three months.
- If you need a visa, you must stay in the country where you apply for it while it’s processed.
GovAI selects on quality of work (clear, even-handed research and concise writing), relevant expertise, judgment about research priorities, and team fit, including openness to feedback and a serious commitment to AI governance.
How to Apply
- Submit the written application through GovAI’s online form before 23:59 GMT on 22 November 2026.
- Complete a short reasoning test (about 20 minutes) if you’re selected after round one.
- Do a paid, remote work test. Invitations go out in January 2027.
- Interview remotely and give references in February 2027.
- Hear the final decision in March 2027.
Official Research Track call and application form · Applied Track call
For questions, decision-date requests or disability-related help, email [email protected].
Tips
- Pick a research question you can answer in three months. GovAI weighs judgment about feasibility heavily.
- Write plainly and even-handedly. Clear reasoning matters more than technical jargon.
- Bring a Global South lens. AI governance debates are dominated by the US, UK, EU and China; perspectives from Africa are a real strength.
- Plan the visa early. You’ll need to stay in your home country while the UK visa is processed, so leave time before 7 June.
