Applications are now open for the Next Gen Initiative 2026, a flagship leadership fellowship established by the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development (EJS Center). The programme is designed to prepare a new generation of young African women for leadership roles in public service, governance, policy, and national development through a comprehensive 12-month fellowship. The fellowship combines leadership development, mentorship, immersive learning experiences, and hands-on public leadership placements alongside accomplished Amujae Leaders. Participants will gain practical experience, strengthen their leadership capabilities, expand their professional networks, and develop the skills needed to influence positive change across Africa. The initiative reflects the EJS Center’s commitment to increasing women’s representation in public leadership by investing in emerging leaders who demonstrate integrity, resilience, and a strong commitment to serving their communities. About the Fellowship The Next Gen Initiative is the flagship emerging leaders programme of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development. Named after Africa’s first democratically elected female president, the Centre works to strengthen women’s leadership across the continent through research, advocacy, leadership development, and strategic partnerships. The fellowship is specifically designed for young women who aspire to careers in public leadership and who have already demonstrated commitment through their academic achievements, professional experience, and community engagement. Throughout the 12-month programme, fellows will participate in structured leadership training, receive mentorship from experienced African women leaders, engage in immersive learning opportunities, and gain practical exposure through public leadership placements. They will also join a growing network of women leaders committed to advancing good governance, inclusive development, and social transformation across Africa. By combining theoretical learning with practical leadership experience, the programme seeks to prepare participants to assume greater leadership responsibilities within government, civil society, public institutions, and development organizations. Fellowship Benefits Selected fellows will receive numerous benefits throughout the programme, including: A monthly stipend throughout the 12-month fellowship. Comprehensive leadership development training. One-on-one mentorship from experienced women leaders. Immersive learning experiences. Hands-on public leadership placements alongside Amujae Leaders. Professional networking opportunities across Africa. Exposure to experienced policymakers and public leaders. Practical experience in governance and public service. Opportunities to strengthen leadership and communication skills. Membership in a growing network of emerging African women leaders. Programme Focus Areas The fellowship welcomes applicants with professional experience or demonstrated interest in areas including: Public Policy. Governance. Law. Gender Equality. Public Health. International Development. Public Administration. Civic Leadership. Social Impact. Community Development. Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for the Next Gen Initiative 2026, applicants must: Be a citizen of Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Nigeria, or Sierra Leone. Be between 25 and 35 years old as of October 1, 2026. Hold an undergraduate degree. Have at least three years of relevant and consistent professional experience. Have experience in public policy, governance, law, development, gender, health, or a related field. Demonstrate leadership potential. Demonstrate integrity and strong ethical values. Show resilience, curiosity, and willingness to learn. Demonstrate commitment to public service. Show a clear vision for contributing to positive change within their country and across Africa. Eligible Countries Applications are currently accepted only from citizens of the following countries: Kenya Lesotho Liberia Nigeria Sierra Leone Required Application Materials Applicants should prepare: Completed online application form. Academic qualification details. Professional experience information. Personal profile. Leadership experience. Responses demonstrating commitment to public service. Additional information requested during the application process. Selection Criteria Applications will be assessed based on several factors, including: Leadership potential. Integrity and ethical conduct. Professional experience. Academic background. Commitment to public service. Interest in governance and leadership. Ability to contribute to positive social change. Motivation to strengthen women’s leadership across Africa. How to Apply To apply for the Next Gen Initiative 2026: Visit the official application portal of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center. Carefully review the eligibility requirements. Complete the online application form. Provide accurate academic and professional information. Demonstrate your leadership experience and commitment to public service. Submit your application before the closing date. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues and to ensure all required information is included.  

Applications are now open for the CRCD D.C. Fellowship for Civic Renewal 2027, a fully funded leadership programme that brings outstanding undergraduate students to Washington, D.C., for an immersive five-day experience exploring the intersection of public service, law, governance, religion, and civic leadership. Organized by the Center for Religion, Culture & Democracy (CRCD), the fellowship is designed for students who aspire to careers in law, public policy, government, public service, and related fields. The fellowship provides participants with an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions on contemporary governance challenges while learning from distinguished scholars, legal practitioners, judges, and policy experts. Through lectures, networking sessions, guided tours, and interactive conversations, fellows gain valuable insights into the institutions and principles that shape public life in the United States. For more than a decade, the D.C. Fellowship has equipped emerging leaders with the knowledge, professional networks, and leadership skills needed to contribute thoughtfully to public affairs. Alumni have gone on to serve in federal agencies, congressional offices, appellate courts, public policy organizations, and leading think tanks, demonstrating the programme’s long-term impact on civic leadership. About the Fellowship The D.C. Fellowship for Civic Renewal is an intensive educational programme that combines academic discussions, professional networking, and experiential learning. Rather than focusing solely on classroom instruction, the fellowship exposes participants to the practical realities of governance through conversations with experienced leaders and visits to important public institutions. During the programme, fellows participate in discussions addressing major issues affecting modern democratic societies. Topics include political polarization, constitutional governance, religious liberty, free markets, the role of families and civil society, and the challenges facing democratic institutions. Sessions are led by respected scholars, attorneys, judges, and policy professionals who encourage thoughtful dialogue and critical analysis. Participants also interact with CRCD staff members, programme alumni, and fellow students from different academic backgrounds, creating an environment that promotes intellectual exchange and lasting professional relationships. Fellowship Benefits Selected fellows will receive comprehensive support throughout the programme, including: Full funding for participation. Accommodation during the fellowship. Meals throughout the programme. Organized programme activities. Guided visits to major government institutions in Washington, D.C. Discussions with prominent scholars and legal experts. Networking opportunities with CRCD staff and programme alumni. Opportunities to build relationships with like-minded student leaders. Exposure to careers in law, public service, and public policy. Membership in an expanding network of CRCD alumni. The fellowship removes financial barriers so participants can focus entirely on learning, leadership development, and professional engagement. Who Should Apply? The fellowship is particularly suitable for: Undergraduate students. Future lawyers. Public policy students. Political science students. History students. Philosophy students. Students interested in public administration. Future government officials. Civic leaders. Students passionate about constitutional governance and public service. Applicants who enjoy thoughtful discussions, intellectual engagement, and leadership development are likely to benefit significantly from the programme. Required Application Materials Applicants must submit the following: Completed online application form. Current résumé. Cover letter. Letter of recommendation. Writing sample. The organizers specify that cover letters and writing samples must be original works and should not be prepared using generative artificial intelligence. Applicants should therefore ensure that all submitted written materials reflect their own ideas and writing abilities. Selection Criteria Applications will be evaluated based on: Academic achievement. Leadership potential. Interest in public service. Quality of the cover letter. Strength of the writing sample. Letter of recommendation. Overall commitment to civic engagement. Potential to contribute meaningfully to fellowship discussions. How to Apply To apply for the CRCD D.C. Fellowship for Civic Renewal 2027: Visit the official CRCD application portal. Complete the online application form. Prepare an updated résumé. Write an original cover letter explaining your interest in the fellowship. Obtain a strong letter of recommendation from a faculty member or qualified referee. Prepare an original writing sample demonstrating your analytical and writing abilities. Submit all required documents before the application deadline.

Applications are now open for the Mercor Research Fellowship 2026, a fully funded opportunity that supports talented researchers working on ambitious projects with the potential to advance artificial intelligence and scientific discovery. The fellowship provides substantial financial support ranging from $40,000 to $80,000, enabling fellows to dedicate significant time to independent research while contributing to frontier AI development. The fellowship is designed to empower exceptional researchers from diverse disciplines to pursue innovative ideas that may otherwise lack traditional funding opportunities. Mercor is particularly interested in supporting projects that generate new knowledge, improve AI capabilities, develop novel evaluation methods, or address important challenges in science, engineering, and technology. Unlike many conventional fellowships tied to universities or specific research institutions, the Mercor Research Fellowship offers flexibility that allows participants to work remotely while collaborating with leading researchers and contributing to cutting-edge AI initiatives. This makes the programme particularly attractive to independent researchers, graduate students, engineers, and professionals seeking to pursue impactful research without relocating. About the Fellowship Mercor launched the Research Fellowship to encourage high-impact research that advances artificial intelligence and related disciplines. The programme recognizes that many talented researchers possess innovative ideas but often face financial or institutional barriers that limit their ability to explore them. Through this fellowship, selected researchers receive funding to focus on ambitious projects capable of generating meaningful scientific contributions. Fellows are encouraged to investigate challenging research questions, develop new methodologies, publish findings, and contribute practical solutions that benefit both academia and industry. Fellowship Benefits Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive package of support, including: Research funding ranging from $40,000 to $80,000. Flexibility to conduct research remotely. Opportunity to work on frontier AI challenges. Access to a growing community of researchers and experts. Opportunities for collaboration with leading AI practitioners. Professional visibility within the AI research ecosystem. Freedom to pursue independent research projects. Support for innovative and high-risk research ideas with strong potential for impact. The fellowship allows researchers to devote substantial time to advancing their projects without many of the financial constraints that often accompany independent research. Research Areas Mercor welcomes proposals from a broad range of research fields, particularly those connected to artificial intelligence and scientific innovation. Areas of interest include: Artificial Intelligence. Machine Learning. Large Language Models. AI Evaluation. Reinforcement Learning. Computer Vision. Natural Language Processing. Robotics. Software Engineering. Mathematics. Data Science. Scientific Computing. Computational Biology. Economics. Healthcare Applications of AI. AI Safety. Human-AI Collaboration. Emerging Technologies. Interdisciplinary proposals that combine AI with other scientific or professional disciplines are also encouraged. Eligibility Criteria The Mercor Research Fellowship is open to applicants from around the world. Applicants should: Demonstrate strong research ability. Have experience in a relevant academic or technical field. Present an original and well-developed research proposal. Show the potential to produce meaningful research outcomes. Be able to dedicate sufficient time to the fellowship project. The programme welcomes applications from: Independent researchers. Graduate students. PhD candidates. Postdoctoral researchers. Software engineers. Scientists. Academics. Technical professionals. Domain experts with strong research capabilities. Applicants from all nationalities are encouraged to apply. Required Application Materials Applicants should prepare the following: Completed online application. Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé. Detailed research proposal. Description of previous research experience. Relevant publications or portfolio, where applicable. Supporting information requested during the application process. Applicants should ensure that their proposal clearly explains the research objective, methodology, expected outcomes, and potential impact. Selection Criteria Applications will be assessed based on several factors, including: Originality of the proposed research. Technical quality of the project. Potential impact of the research. Applicant’s research experience. Academic or professional achievements. Feasibility of the proposed work. Alignment with Mercor’s research interests. Successful applicants will demonstrate both technical excellence and the ability to carry out independent, high-quality research. How to Apply To apply for the Mercor Research Fellowship 2026: Visit the official Mercor Research Fellowship application page. Review the programme requirements carefully. Prepare a strong research proposal outlining your project. Update your CV or résumé. Complete the online application form. Upload all required supporting documents. Submit your application before September 26, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to apply early and ensure that all application materials accurately reflect their research experience and project objectives.  

Applications are expected to open for the Institute for Law & AI Summer Fellowship 2027, a fully funded research programme designed for individuals interested in exploring the legal, policy, and governance challenges posed by artificial intelligence. Organized by the Institute for Law & AI (LawAI), the fellowship brings together aspiring legal scholars, graduate students, researchers, policymakers, and professionals to conduct research on some of the most pressing legal issues surrounding advanced AI systems. The fellowship combines intensive research, personalized mentorship, professional development, and opportunities to engage directly with leading experts in AI governance, law, and public policy. Participants will work on independent or collaborative research projects while building practical skills that prepare them for careers in academia, government, nonprofit organizations, and technology policy. As artificial intelligence continues to transform economies, legal systems, and societies worldwide, there is an increasing demand for professionals who understand how legal frameworks can promote innovation while protecting public safety, human rights, and democratic values. The Institute for Law & AI Summer Fellowship seeks to develop this next generation of experts by providing an intellectually stimulating environment where fellows can contribute to meaningful discussions on AI regulation and governance. About the Fellowship The Institute for Law & AI is an independent research organization dedicated to examining the legal and governance challenges created by transformative artificial intelligence. Its research supports governments, public institutions, international organizations, and private-sector stakeholders in developing effective legal frameworks for emerging AI technologies. The Summer Fellowship provides participants with an opportunity to spend approximately ten weeks conducting supervised research on AI law and policy. Fellows receive guidance from experienced researchers and policy experts while participating in seminars, workshops, and networking events. The programme is designed to accommodate individuals from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. Participants do not need to be established experts in AI before applying. Instead, the fellowship values curiosity, analytical ability, strong research skills, and a demonstrated interest in the intersection of artificial intelligence, law, and public policy. Fellowship Benefits Successful applicants will receive a range of academic and professional benefits, including: Full funding for the fellowship. Personalized research mentorship. Career development support. Opportunities to work on cutting-edge AI governance issues. Participation in seminars and expert discussions. Networking with leading researchers and policymakers. Access to a global community working on AI law and policy. Support for intellectual and professional development. Opportunities to contribute to policy discussions and research outputs. Funding for the required in-person programme component in accordance with programme guidelines. Research Areas Fellows may work on topics including: Artificial Intelligence Regulation. AI Governance. Technology Law. Digital Rights. Privacy and Data Protection. AI Safety. International AI Policy. Constitutional Law and AI. Administrative Law. Competition Policy. Intellectual Property and AI. Human Rights and Emerging Technologies. AI Risk Management. Responsible AI Development. Public Policy for Artificial Intelligence. Projects that combine legal analysis with interdisciplinary perspectives are especially encouraged. Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants may include: Graduate law students (including JD and LLM students). PhD candidates. Postdoctoral researchers. Legal academics. Policy professionals. Government officials. Lawyers. Researchers. Professionals transitioning into AI governance. Required Application Materials Applicants should prepare: Completed online application form. Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé. Statement of interest. Writing sample. Academic transcripts where applicable. References or recommendation letters if requested. Any additional supporting documents required during the application process. Applicants should ensure all submitted materials clearly demonstrate their interest in AI law, research experience, and career goals. Selection Criteria Applications are expected to be evaluated based on: Academic excellence. Quality of written work. Research potential. Interest in AI law and governance. Analytical and critical thinking skills. Motivation for participating. Potential to contribute to discussions on AI policy and regulation. The Institute seeks applicants who can contribute diverse perspectives to the evolving field of AI governance while demonstrating a commitment to rigorous research and public-interest policy development. How to Apply To apply for the Institute for Law & AI Summer Fellowship 2027: Visit the official Institute for Law & AI careers or fellowship page when applications open. Review the fellowship guidelines and eligibility requirements. Prepare all required application materials. Complete the online application form. Upload the requested supporting documents. Submit your application before the published deadline. Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their materials early, particularly their statement of interest and writing sample, as these play an important role in the selection process.

Applications are now open for the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) Non-Resident Fellows Program 2026. This prestigious two-year fellowship is designed for established academics and researchers who are interested in contributing their expertise to technology policy, digital rights, artificial intelligence, privacy, cybersecurity, democracy, and internet governance. The Non-Resident Fellows Program creates a bridge between academic research and public-interest technology policy by connecting leading scholars with CDT’s policy teams. Through this collaboration, fellows have the opportunity to share their research, provide expert insights, participate in policy discussions, and contribute to evidence-based solutions for emerging technology challenges. As technology continues to shape societies around the world, policymakers increasingly rely on rigorous academic research to inform legislation and governance. The CDT Non-Resident Fellows Program enables researchers to transform scholarly work into practical policy recommendations while engaging with one of the world’s leading organizations focused on digital rights and technology policy. About the Fellowship The Center for Democracy & Technology established the Non-Resident Fellows Program to strengthen collaboration between academia and the technology policy community. The programme recognizes that many of today’s most pressing issues—including artificial intelligence governance, online privacy, cybersecurity, digital inclusion, platform accountability, and freedom of expression—require interdisciplinary expertise from researchers across multiple fields. Throughout the two-year fellowship, participants remain affiliated with their home institutions while collaborating with CDT remotely. Fellows contribute their knowledge through policy consultations, presentations, collaborative research, workshops, and other activities that support CDT’s mission. Rather than serving as full-time employees, Non-Resident Fellows volunteer their expertise while becoming members of an international network of scholars and policy professionals. This flexible arrangement enables researchers to continue their academic careers while expanding the policy impact of their research. The fellowship also encourages knowledge exchange between researchers and practitioners, helping ensure that technology policies are informed by the latest academic evidence while allowing scholars to better understand real-world policy challenges. Fellowship Benefits Successful applicants will receive numerous professional and academic benefits, including: Membership in CDT’s international community of technology policy experts. Opportunities to engage directly with CDT researchers and policy specialists. Invitations to policy discussions, workshops, and special events. Opportunities to present research to policymakers and practitioners. Collaboration on emerging technology policy issues. Opportunities to contribute to CDT publications and thought leadership. Networking with scholars from diverse disciplines and institutions. Increased visibility for research with public policy relevance. Opportunities to influence discussions on digital rights, AI, privacy, and internet governance. The fellowship focuses on professional collaboration and policy engagement rather than direct financial support, making it particularly valuable for researchers seeking to expand the real-world impact of their academic work. Areas of Interest CDT welcomes fellows whose research aligns with technology policy and digital governance. Relevant areas include: Artificial Intelligence. Digital Rights. Privacy and Data Protection. Cybersecurity. Internet Governance. Platform Accountability. Online Safety. Democracy and Technology. Human Rights in the Digital Age. Competition Policy. Digital Inclusion. Algorithmic Accountability. Technology Ethics. Emerging Technologies. Digital Regulation. Researchers from interdisciplinary backgrounds are encouraged to apply, provided their work contributes to understanding the societal impacts of technology. Eligibility Criteria Applicants should meet the following requirements: Hold a full-time position at an academic institution. Ideally possess a terminal degree such as a Ph.D., J.D., or an equivalent qualification or experience. Have published impactful work in peer-reviewed academic venues. Demonstrate expertise relevant to CDT’s policy priorities. Have experience engaging with technology policy issues. Be willing to commit to a two-year non-resident engagement. The programme is not open to current students or postdoctoral researchers. Applications are encouraged from scholars representing diverse academic disciplines and backgrounds. Who Should Apply? The fellowship is particularly suitable for: University professors. Academic researchers. Policy scholars. Legal academics. Computer scientists. Political scientists. Economists. Sociologists. Communication scholars. Human-computer interaction researchers. Media studies scholars. Researchers working on AI, digital governance, and public policy. CDT values interdisciplinary perspectives and encourages applications from researchers whose work addresses the intersection of technology and society. Fellowship Responsibilities During the fellowship, participants may: Participate in policy strategy discussions. Present research findings to CDT staff. Contribute to CDT blogs or publications. Participate in conferences, webinars, and workshops. Provide expert feedback on policy reports and research. Collaborate on joint research initiatives. Support public engagement activities related to technology policy. Over the two-year fellowship, participants are expected to complete at least two substantive contributions aligned with CDT’s work, such as co-authoring a blog post, participating in a CDT event, or collaborating on a research or funding initiative. Required Application Materials Applicants must submit the following materials combined into a single PDF document: Full Curriculum Vitae (CV). Relevant published writing sample. Cover letter describing: Interest in the fellowship. Relevant qualifications and experience. Research expertise. How the applicant’s work aligns with CDT’s mission and policy priorities. Applications should be carefully prepared to demonstrate both academic excellence and the potential policy relevance of the applicant’s research. Selection Criteria Applications will be evaluated based on: Academic achievements. Quality and impact of published research. Expertise in technology policy. Relevance of research to CDT’s focus areas. Potential contribution to public-interest technology policy. Ability to collaborate across disciplines. Commitment to engaging with policymakers and practitioners. The programme seeks scholars capable of translating rigorous academic research into practical policy insights that can inform public debates and decision-making. How to Apply To apply for the CDT Non-Resident Fellows Program 2026: Review the fellowship objectives and eligibility requirements. Prepare an updated Curriculum Vitae. Select a relevant published writing sample. Write a cover letter explaining your interest, qualifications, and alignment with CDT’s work. Combine all application materials into a single PDF document. Submit your application through the official CDT application portal before the deadline.

Applications are now open for the Wallace Fellowships 2027–2028 at Harvard University. The fellowship is a prestigious, fully funded research opportunity offered through Harvard University’s Center for Italian Renaissance Studies, commonly known as Villa I Tatti, in Florence, Italy. The programme supports outstanding scholars whose research explores the historiography and legacy of the Italian Renaissance and its influence across different historical periods and academic disciplines. The Wallace Fellowship provides researchers with dedicated time and resources to pursue advanced scholarly work in one of the world’s leading centers for Renaissance studies. Fellows become part of an international academic community, benefiting from access to exceptional research collections, interdisciplinary seminars, and collaboration with scholars from around the globe. Named in recognition of the Wallace family’s support for humanities research, the fellowship encourages projects that examine how the Italian Renaissance has been interpreted, preserved, and understood over time. Applicants from a wide range of disciplines are invited to propose innovative research that contributes fresh perspectives to Renaissance studies and related fields. About the Fellowship The Wallace Fellowships are designed for scholars investigating the historiography of the Italian Renaissance and the ways in which Renaissance ideas, culture, and scholarship have shaped intellectual traditions across centuries. Hosted at Villa I Tatti in Florence, the fellowship provides an intellectually stimulating environment where researchers can devote uninterrupted time to their projects while engaging with an international community of historians, art historians, literary scholars, philosophers, musicologists, and researchers from related disciplines. Villa I Tatti has long been recognized as one of the world’s foremost centers for Renaissance scholarship. Fellows participate in lectures, seminars, workshops, and scholarly discussions while enjoying access to one of the finest specialized libraries dedicated to Italian Renaissance studies. Fellowship Benefits Successful applicants will receive comprehensive support throughout the fellowship period. Benefits include: Full funding for the fellowship. A stipend to support living expenses during the residency. Accommodation support according to programme guidelines. Access to Villa I Tatti’s internationally renowned research library. Access to specialized archives and academic resources. Office space and research facilities. Opportunities to participate in seminars, workshops, and lectures. Collaboration with leading international scholars. Membership in a vibrant interdisciplinary academic community. Professional networking opportunities with researchers from around the world. The fellowship allows scholars to focus entirely on their research while benefiting from Harvard University’s internationally recognized academic environment. Research Focus Applicants should propose projects related to the historiography of the Italian Renaissance or the broader influence of Renaissance culture and scholarship. Relevant research themes may include: Italian Renaissance history. Renaissance historiography. Art history. Literature. Philosophy. Classical reception. Architecture. Political thought. Religious history. Cultural heritage. Manuscript studies. Intellectual history. Music history. Humanism. History of collecting. Renaissance visual culture. Cross-cultural exchanges during the Renaissance. Interdisciplinary projects that connect Renaissance studies with other fields are also encouraged. Eligibility Criteria Applicants should meet the following requirements: Hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral qualification by the application deadline. Demonstrate an outstanding record of academic achievement. Be actively engaged in advanced research related to the fellowship theme. Submit an original research proposal that aligns with the objectives of the Wallace Fellowship. Be able to complete the fellowship residency at Villa I Tatti during the fellowship period. Who Should Apply? The fellowship is particularly suitable for: Historians. Art historians. Literary scholars. Philosophers. Musicologists. Architectural historians. Cultural heritage researchers. Historians of religion. Classical studies scholars. Researchers in Renaissance studies. Early-career and established academics pursuing innovative research projects. Applicants with interdisciplinary research interests and projects that engage multiple perspectives on Renaissance studies are especially encouraged to apply. Required Application Materials Applicants should prepare a complete application package, which generally includes: Completed online application form. Curriculum Vitae (CV). Detailed research proposal. Project bibliography. Academic publications, where applicable. Letters of recommendation. Additional supporting documents requested by the fellowship organizers. Applicants should carefully review the official application guidelines before submission to ensure all required materials are included. Selection Criteria Applications will be evaluated based on: Academic excellence. Originality of the proposed research. Scholarly significance of the project. Feasibility of completing the proposed research during the fellowship. Relevance to the fellowship’s thematic focus. Potential contribution to Renaissance scholarship. Applicant’s research experience and publication record. How to Apply To apply for the Wallace Fellowships 2027–2028: Visit the official Villa I Tatti fellowship application portal. Review the fellowship guidelines and eligibility requirements. Prepare a detailed research proposal aligned with the fellowship theme. Gather all required supporting documents. Complete the online application form. Upload all required materials before the deadline. Submit your application and retain confirmation of submission. Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their research proposals well in advance, as strong applications require careful planning and thorough documentation.  

Applications are now open for the Heilbronn AI Fellowship 2027, an international research fellowship designed to attract outstanding early-career researchers to one of Europe’s rapidly expanding artificial intelligence ecosystems. The fellowship supports cutting-edge AI research while fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and innovation partners across the Bildungscampus Heilbronn and the wider Heilbronn innovation network. The programme offers talented researchers an opportunity to conduct advanced research in artificial intelligence while benefiting from world-class digital infrastructure, interdisciplinary collaboration, entrepreneurial opportunities, and close engagement with industry. Beyond academic research, fellows are encouraged to contribute to technology transfer, real-world AI applications, and innovation initiatives that address practical societal and industrial challenges. Heilbronn has emerged as an important hub for artificial intelligence research and innovation in Germany, bringing together universities, research institutes, startups, and technology companies within a collaborative ecosystem. Through this fellowship, researchers gain access to an environment specifically designed to accelerate scientific discovery while promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. About the Fellowship The Heilbronn AI Fellowship seeks to strengthen Germany’s AI research landscape by attracting exceptional international researchers with strong academic backgrounds in artificial intelligence and related disciplines. Successful fellows will undertake independent research projects hosted by eligible institutions located on the Bildungscampus Heilbronn. The programme emphasizes high-quality research that contributes to scientific advancement while encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and practical application of research outcomes. One of the distinguishing features of the fellowship is its integration of academic excellence with industry collaboration. Researchers are not limited to traditional academic environments but are also encouraged to engage with innovation ecosystems, technology transfer activities, and entrepreneurial initiatives that translate research into real-world solutions. Fellowship Benefits Selected fellows will receive comprehensive financial support throughout the fellowship period, including: Monthly fellowship allowance of €2,800. Contributions toward health insurance. Accident insurance coverage. Personal liability insurance support. Lump-sum contribution toward international travel expenses. Additional support may also be available in specific circumstances, including: Financial assistance for researchers with disabilities or chronic illnesses, assessed individually. Family benefits for fellows whose funding period exceeds six months, subject to eligibility. Individual consideration for special personal circumstances. These benefits allow researchers to focus on high-quality research while minimizing financial barriers associated with international mobility. Research Areas The fellowship supports research across a broad range of artificial intelligence topics and related disciplines. Applicants may propose projects in areas such as: Machine Learning. Deep Learning. Computer Vision. Natural Language Processing. Robotics. Human-Centered AI. AI for Healthcare. AI for Industry. Responsible AI. Explainable AI. AI Ethics. Intelligent Systems. Data Science. Autonomous Systems. AI Applications in Business and Society. Eligibility Criteria The fellowship is open to international applicants who meet the following requirements: Be a PhD candidate in the final year before dissertation defense, or a postdoctoral researcher. Have obtained a PhD or doctorate no more than five years before applying (for postdoctoral applicants). Demonstrate a strong academic background in Artificial Intelligence or a closely related field. Be affiliated with a university or non-university research institution. Intend to undertake a research project at an eligible host institution located within the Bildungscampus Heilbronn ecosystem. Who Should Apply? The fellowship is particularly suitable for: Early-career AI researchers. International postdoctoral researchers. Final-year PhD candidates. Machine learning specialists. Computer scientists. Robotics researchers. Data scientists. Computational researchers. Researchers developing innovative AI applications. Scholars seeking international research collaboration. Required Application Materials Applications must be submitted through the official DAAD application portal. Applicants should prepare: Completed online application. Research proposal. Academic transcripts. Curriculum Vitae (CV). Academic certificates. Publication list, where applicable. Supporting documentation requested by the programme. Selection Criteria Applications will be assessed based on both the applicant’s academic achievements and the quality of the proposed research project. Evaluation criteria include: Academic Qualifications Academic performance. Grade development. Doctoral dissertation quality. Academic achievements after graduation. Publications. Conference presentations. Research experience. Research Project Quality Originality and innovation. Scientific relevance. Quality of research proposal. Suitability of the chosen host institution. Feasibility of the research plan. Research timeline. Potential for technology transfer and practical application. Long-term collaboration potential between the applicant and German research institutions. How to Apply To apply for the Heilbronn AI Fellowship 2027: Identify an eligible host institution within the Bildungscampus Heilbronn research ecosystem. Prepare a strong research proposal aligned with your intended host institution. Gather all required academic and supporting documents. Complete the online application through the official DAAD application portal. Upload all required documentation before submitting your application. Review your application carefully before final submission. Applicants should ensure that all information provided is complete and accurate, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

Applications are now open for the Do Good Accelerator 2026, an eight-week fellowship programme designed to help student changemakers strengthen, test, and scale projects that create positive social and environmental impact. Organized by the Do Good Institute at the University of Maryland, the accelerator provides participants with expert coaching, professional development opportunities, collaborative learning experiences, and a $2,000 stipend upon successful completion of the programme. The accelerator is intended for students who have moved beyond the idea stage and are already implementing projects or social ventures that benefit their communities. Through structured coaching sessions, workshops, and dedicated project time, fellows receive the guidance and resources needed to transform promising initiatives into sustainable solutions with greater impact. Whether participants are addressing challenges related to education, climate action, public health, community development, social justice, or another area of public good, the programme provides an environment where innovative ideas can grow through mentorship, collaboration, and practical experience. About the Programme The Do Good Accelerator was established to support students who are passionate about using innovation and entrepreneurship to solve real-world problems. Recognizing that many impactful projects require more than just funding, the programme combines financial support with coaching, networking, and skill development. During the eight-week fellowship, participants dedicate approximately eight hours each week to advancing their projects. This time includes one-on-one coaching sessions, independent project work, participation in workshops, and engagement with a community of fellow student innovators. The accelerator emphasizes practical learning. Instead of focusing only on classroom instruction, fellows work directly on their own initiatives while receiving feedback from experienced mentors. Participants also attend panel discussions, professional development sessions, and community events that introduce useful tools, strategies, and resources for scaling social ventures. By the end of the programme, fellows are expected to have strengthened their projects, expanded their leadership skills, and increased the overall impact of their initiatives within their communities. Programme Benefits Successful applicants will receive: A $2,000 stipend upon successful completion of the fellowship. Individual coaching and mentoring from experienced advisors. Access to an eight-week accelerator programme. Professional development workshops. Practical training in social entrepreneurship. Dedicated workspace and project support. Networking opportunities with fellow student innovators. Access to community events and panel discussions. Resources to strengthen and expand existing projects. A supportive environment focused on increasing social impact. Programme Activities Throughout the fellowship, participants will engage in activities such as: Weekly one-on-one coaching sessions. Independent project development. Interactive workshops. Skills development programmes. Community networking events. Panel discussions with experienced professionals. Peer collaboration and feedback sessions. Strategic planning for project growth. Impact measurement and evaluation. These activities are designed to help fellows strengthen both their projects and their leadership capacity. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must: Be current students at the University of Maryland, College Park. Be actively working on a project or social venture. Be in the implementation phase of their initiative rather than the idea stage. Be committed to participating throughout the eight-week programme. Be available to dedicate approximately eight hours per week during the fellowship Required Application Materials Applicants should complete the online application and provide any information requested by the Do Good Institute. This generally includes: Completed application form. Information about the applicant’s social impact project. Details of the project’s current stage of implementation. Responses to programme questions. Any additional materials requested during the application process. Selection Criteria Applications will be evaluated based on: Stage of project implementation. Potential for community impact. Commitment to social innovation. Willingness to engage fully in the programme. Overall quality and feasibility of the project. Applicant’s motivation and leadership potential. How to Apply To apply: Visit the official Do Good Accelerator application page. Complete the online application form. Provide detailed information about your project or social venture. Review your application carefully before submission. Submit your application before September 14, 2026.