The Cambridge ERA Fellowship 2026 is an eight-week, fully funded residential research initiative hosted in Cambridge, United Kingdom. Designed to nurture future leaders in artificial intelligence (AI) safety and governance, the program brings together talented researchers, professionals, and policymakers who are dedicated to addressing the challenges and risks associated with advanced AI systems. The next fellowship cohort is set to begin in February 2026.
Program Overview
The ERA Fellowship provides an exceptional opportunity for individuals to explore critical questions surrounding the safe and ethical development of frontier AI systems. Fellows will work under the guidance of leading experts in AI safety and governance, gaining both theoretical understanding and practical insights. The program’s goal is to promote impactful research, collaboration, and global awareness on AI-related risks that may affect humanity’s long-term future.
The fellowship is fully funded and offers a generous package that includes a pro-rated stipend equivalent to an annual salary of £34,125, along with accommodation, meals during workdays, visa support, and travel reimbursement. This financial support allows fellows to focus entirely on their research and professional development during their stay in Cambridge.
Focus Areas
The program covers three main research tracks, allowing fellows to choose the area that best aligns with their background and interests:
- Technical AI Safety – Concentrates on developing systems and algorithms that ensure AI models behave safely and align with human values. Fellows explore technical challenges related to robustness, interpretability, and the prevention of harmful unintended consequences.
- AI Governance – Focuses on policy design, institutional frameworks, and regulatory measures needed to manage the global impact of AI technologies. Participants study governance structures, international cooperation, and ethical frameworks for responsible AI development.
- Technical AI Governance (TechGov) – Bridges the gap between technology and policy by exploring how technical design choices intersect with governance goals. This track is ideal for participants interested in how system architectures and deployment strategies influence policy and societal outcomes.
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities who are at least 18 years old. There are no strict academic or professional prerequisites, as the selection committee prioritizes motivation, capability, and demonstrated potential for impactful work.
Ideal candidates include:
- PhD students who wish to connect their research to AI safety or governance.
- Professionals transitioning from technical or policy fields into AI governance and safety research.
- Early-career researchers or entrepreneurs with a strong interest in mitigating global risks from AI.
The program welcomes participants from diverse disciplines, provided they can show a strong commitment to the fellowship’s objectives.
Application Requirements
Applicants must complete an online application form and provide:
- A detailed résumé or CV highlighting academic and professional achievements.
- Written responses to several short-answer questions assessing motivation and research interest.
- A project proposal outlining the intended research topic within one of the fellowship tracks.
- Contact information for referees, who may be approached later during the selection process.
For international applicants, a valid passport (valid at least until May 2026) is required to facilitate visa arrangements.
Selection Process
The application process consists of multiple stages designed to identify exceptional candidates.
- Initial Submission: Applicants complete the online form and submit all required documents.
- Shortlisting: Around 20% of candidates are invited for a first-round interview to assess fit and motivation.
- Final Interview: Shortlisted applicants participate in a brief interview (approximately 15 minutes). At this stage, referees may be contacted for recommendations.
- Selection and Onboarding: Successful candidates will finalize their project plans, receive mentor assignments, and prepare for the program’s start.
Program Duration and Deadline
The Cambridge ERA Fellowship runs for eight weeks, beginning in early February 2026. The application deadline for the Winter 2026 cohort is 3 November 2025. Early application is strongly encouraged to ensure sufficient time for visa processing and travel preparation.
Conclusion
The Cambridge ERA Fellowship 2026 offers a rare opportunity for motivated individuals to contribute to one of the most pressing global challenges ensuring that the development of advanced AI benefits humanity. By combining research, mentorship, and community engagement, the program empowers fellows to shape meaningful solutions in AI safety and governance. This initiative is not just a fellowship it is a platform for building a safer, more responsible technological future.
