The Cambridge ERA:AI Fellowship 2027 is a fully funded, 10-week research programme in Cambridge, United Kingdom, designed for talented individuals interested in artificial intelligence safety, governance, policy, and related research. The Winter 2027 cohort will begin on 18 January 2027.
The fellowship offers an opportunity to develop an independent research project while working with experienced mentors and research professionals. Fellows will also become part of an international community working on challenges associated with increasingly capable AI systems.
Cambridge ERA: AI Fellowship 2027 – Quick Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Cambridge ERA:AI Fellowship |
| Location | Cambridge, UK |
| Duration | 10 weeks |
| Start Date | 18 January 2027 |
| Stipend | £10,000 |
| Travel Support | Covered |
| Visa Support | Available |
| Meals | Provided during working hours |
| Age Requirement | 18+ |
| IELTS/TOEFL | No formal requirement stated |
| Application Deadline | 13 September 2026 |
| Research Focus | AI Safety & Governance |
| Application | Online |
What Is the Cambridge ERA:AI Fellowship?
The Cambridge ERA:AI Fellowship is a research-focused programme that supports individuals who want to investigate important questions surrounding frontier artificial intelligence. Fellows develop a research project addressing technical or governance approaches to reducing risks associated with advanced AI systems.
Rather than focusing solely on academic qualifications, the programme takes a talent-first approach. Applicants from different academic, professional, and disciplinary backgrounds are encouraged to apply if they can contribute meaningful perspectives to AI safety or governance.
What Does the Fellowship Provide?
£10,000 Fellowship Stipend
Selected fellows receive a £10,000 stipend for the 10-week programme. In addition, the fellowship provides several forms of practical support to help participants focus on their research.
Travel and Visa Support
The programme provides travel expense coverage and visa support, helping international fellows participate in the fellowship in Cambridge.
Meals During Working Hours
Fellows receive meal provisions during working hours as part of the programme’s support package.
Expert Mentorship
Each fellow works with a mentor throughout the research programme. Mentors are matched with fellows after acceptance according to their research interests and project needs.
Research Support
Fellows receive dedicated research management support while developing their projects. The programme aims to help participants strengthen their research skills and potentially produce work suitable for publication or wider policy impact.
Cambridge Research Community
Participants receive a dedicated desk at the programme’s Cambridge office and become part of a community of researchers and professionals. Regular social activities and community events provide opportunities to exchange ideas and build professional relationships.
Networking Opportunities
The fellowship also supports participants in developing networks relevant to careers in AI safety and policy. In appropriate cases, additional assistance may be available to support significant career transitions.
Who Can Apply?
The Cambridge ERA:AI Fellowship does not restrict applications to a particular degree, academic discipline, or professional background.
The main formal eligibility condition is that applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
The programme may be particularly valuable for:
- Researchers at different career stages
- AI and technology professionals
- Policymakers and public-sector professionals
- Security specialists
- Legal and economic professionals
- Academics interested in AI governance
- Researchers seeking a new research direction
- Individuals with specialist knowledge relevant to advanced AI risks
- Professionals interested in transitioning into AI safety or governance
Applicants are assessed based on their potential and ability to contribute to the programme rather than credentials alone.
Research Areas
During the fellowship, participants work on projects related to technical AI safety and frontier AI governance.
Possible research directions can involve:
- AI safety
- AI governance
- Frontier AI risks
- AI policy
- Technical approaches to AI risk reduction
- Governance mechanisms for advanced AI
- Security and emerging technologies
- Interdisciplinary AI research
ERA supports research across a broad range of AI safety and governance topics, with mentors and connections spanning academia, government, industry, and policy organisations.
Application Process
The application process consists of several stages.
1. Written Application
The first stage involves answering short essay-style questions. Applicants should expect to spend approximately two hours completing this stage.
2. Round 1 Interview
A selection of the strongest applicants will be invited to an initial interview. These interviews are expected to take place in late September 2026.
3. Round 2 Interview
Candidates who progress further may receive an invitation for a shorter second interview. References will also be contacted at this stage.
The second-round interviews are expected to take place in early October 2026.
4. Final Offers
After the selection process, successful applicants will receive fellowship offers. The selected cohort will then work with ERA to develop research ideas and identify suitable mentors.
Important Deadline
Applications for the Winter 2027 Cambridge ERA:AI Fellowship close on:
13 September 2026, 11:59 PM (Anywhere on Earth — AoE)
Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline rather than waiting until the final hours.
Why Apply for the Cambridge ERA:AI Fellowship?
This fellowship combines financial support, research experience, mentorship, and networking within one programme. Participants can spend 10 weeks developing a focused research project while being surrounded by people working on important questions related to advanced AI.
For applicants considering careers in AI safety, governance, policy, research, or emerging technology, the programme can provide valuable exposure to an increasingly important field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cambridge ERA:AI Fellowship fully funded?
Yes. Selected fellows receive a £10,000 stipend, along with travel expense coverage, visa support, and meal provisions during working hours.
How long is the fellowship?
The Winter 2027 fellowship lasts 10 weeks and begins on 18 January 2027.
Where does the fellowship take place?
The programme is hosted in Cambridge, United Kingdom.
What is the age requirement?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Do I need a specific degree to apply?
No. There are no formal academic discipline restrictions. The programme welcomes applicants with relevant skills, expertise, research interests, or perspectives.
Is the fellowship only for AI researchers?
No. Applicants from areas such as policy, law, economics, security, technology, and other relevant disciplines can also apply.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline for the Winter 2027 cohort is 13 September 2026 at 11:59 PM Anywhere on Earth.
Conclusion
The Cambridge ERA:AI Fellowship 2027 offers a distinctive opportunity to conduct research in Cambridge while receiving substantial financial and professional support. With a £10,000 stipend, travel and visa assistance, expert mentorship, research guidance, and access to a professional community, the programme is designed for individuals who want to contribute to the future of AI safety and governance.
If you are 18 or older and have a strong interest, research idea, or professional perspective relevant to advanced AI risks, this fellowship may be worth considering regardless of your academic background.
Application Deadline: 13 September 2026
Fellowship Start Date: 18 January 2027
Duration: 10 Weeks
Funding: £10,000 + Additional Support
