Are you passionate about shaping the future of ethical artificial intelligence and keen on contributing to policy, research or creative-AI solutions? (University of Oxford Accelerator Fellowship Programme 2025/2026). The University of Oxford is now accepting applications for its Accelerator Fellowship Programme 2025/2026, hosted by the Institute for Ethics in AI. This is a rare opportunity to drive real-world impact at the intersection of AI, society, law, creativity, healthcare, and ethics.
What’s On Offer & Benefits
- £2,000 monthly stipend to support living costs (accommodation, travel, food) for fellows.
- Optional additional funding — on a case-by-case basis — for project-related activities like workshops, seminars, public exhibitions, or events.
- Flexible participation model: fellowship can be undertaken remotely, or as in-person stay(s) in Oxford (up to six months at a time), depending on visa eligibility.
- Duration: either 6 months or 12 months, starting from February 2026.
- Access to a world-class intellectual community at Oxford — including researchers, policy-makers, and global thought leaders — and opportunities for collaboration across disciplines.
- Platform to influence AI ethics, policy, and societal impact, with seminars, public discussions, and potential for tangible outputs (research papers, policy proposals, creative works, etc.).
Who Should Apply – Eligibility Criteria
You are encouraged to apply if you:
- Hold at least a Master’s degree, or possess equivalent professional experience (e.g. 5+ years in a relevant field).
- Are a professional or academic working in areas such as: AI ethics, law/policy, healthcare & mental health, creative industries, humanities, social sciences, or AI-related technical fields.
- Are committed to producing impact-driven work that addresses real-world challenges around AI — whether through policy, research, creative expression, healthcare, human rights, or social justice.
- Have good proficiency in English (written and spoken), since the fellowship and outputs are in English.
The fellowship is open to applicants worldwide.
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Thematic Focus Areas
Fellows may propose projects under one of the following themes:
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- AI and Creativity — exploring how AI impacts arts, creativity, human expression, culture.
- AI in Care, Mental Health and Healthcare — examining how AI can ethically improve care, health services, mental-health support, accessibility.
- AI and Humanity — addressing AI’s broader societal, human-rights, equality, and humanity-centred implications.
- AI, Law & Policy — working on legal frameworks, governance, regulation, ethical standards, policy-oriented research.
Application Procedure & Deadline — Act Now!
| Step | What You Need to Do |
| 1 | Complete the online application form on the official programme page. |
| 2 | Prepare and send a single PDF (max 10 MB) containing: • A one-page project statement (detailing focus, outputs, impact, alignment to fellowship goals) • A motivation letter • A two-page CV • Copy of current passport (if applying for in-person stay) |
| 3 | Email the PDF to aiethicsafp@philosophy.ox.ac.uk with subject: “AFP Fellowship Application”. |
| 4 | Ensure submission by 10 January 2026 (final deadline). |
Deadline is firm — late or incomplete applications are not accepted. For in-person plans, ensure visa or UK-immigration eligibility well ahead of potential stay dates.
Why This Fellowship Stands Out
- Influence global AI ethics and policy — as a fellow, you can contribute to shaping ethical standards and frameworks that guide AI developments worldwide.
- Receive meaningful support — a reliable stipend and optional project funding give you the space to focus on impactful work without financial strain.
- Flexible participation — ideal for professionals continuing existing work while contributing to AI-ethics projects.
- Global network & prestige — being affiliated with Oxford offers credibility and opens doors for cross-disciplinary collaborations, publications, and influence.
- Remote or in-person model — whether you’re based in Africa, Asia, Americas or Europe, you can contribute; remote participation makes it accessible to people globally.
Related: Your Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad
Final Call — Take Action Now
The window for this unique opportunity is open, but time is ticking. If you’re a researcher, academic, policy-maker, creative thinker, or professional concerned with the ethical implications of AI — this fellowship offers the resources, platform, and network you need to make real-world impact.
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👉 Visit the official Accelerator Fellowship Programme page to access the application form and detailed guidelines.
📅 Deadline: 10 January 2026 — start preparing your materials today to beat the rush.
Don’t miss the chance to contribute your ideas and shape the future of AI ethics. Submit your application now!
