Miami Law & AI (MiLA) Lab AI, Law & Ethics Research Awards 2026

Applications are now open for the Miami Law & AI (MiLA) Lab AI, Law & Ethics Research Awards 2026, a competitive research grant programme designed to support innovative scholarship at the intersection of artificial intelligence, law, ethics, and public policy.

The awards are offered by the Miami Law & AI (MiLA) Lab at the University of Miami School of Law to encourage interdisciplinary research that addresses the legal, ethical, and governance challenges arising from the rapid advancement of AI technologies. Researchers from a wide range of disciplines are invited to submit proposals that contribute to responsible AI development and governance.

About the MiLA AI, Law & Ethics Research Awards

Artificial intelligence is transforming industries, governments, and societies at an unprecedented pace. While AI offers significant opportunities, it also raises complex legal and ethical questions relating to accountability, transparency, privacy, fairness, intellectual property, regulation, and human rights.

The Miami Law & AI (MiLA) Lab established these Research Awards to encourage rigorous, interdisciplinary research that can inform policymakers, legal practitioners, regulators, and technology developers. The programme supports research that bridges technical innovation with legal and ethical analysis, helping shape responsible AI governance.

Research Funding and Benefits

Successful applicants will receive support to advance their proposed research projects. Benefits include:

• Funding for selected research projects.
• Institutional support from the Miami Law & AI Lab.
• Opportunities to collaborate with researchers working across AI, law, ethics, and policy.
• Increased visibility for funded research.
• Opportunities to contribute to discussions on responsible AI governance.
• Engagement with an interdisciplinary research community.
• The possibility of informing future legal and policy frameworks surrounding artificial intelligence.

Research Themes

The programme welcomes proposals on a broad range of topics related to AI and society, including but not limited to:

• Artificial Intelligence regulation.
• AI governance.
• AI ethics.
• Privacy and data protection.
• Algorithmic accountability.
• AI transparency and explainability.
• Human rights and AI.
• Intellectual property and generative AI.
• Bias, discrimination, and fairness.
• AI and the justice system.
• AI in healthcare.
• AI and employment.
• Digital governance.
• Emerging technology law.
• Responsible AI development.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants may include:

• University faculty.
• Academic researchers.
• Postdoctoral researchers.
• Graduate students.
• Scholars working in law, computer science, ethics, public policy, political science, economics, philosophy, sociology, and related disciplines.
• Interdisciplinary research teams.

Who Should Apply?

The programme is especially suitable for:

• AI researchers.
• Legal scholars.
• Technology policy experts.
• Ethics researchers.
• Computer scientists interested in AI governance.
• Public policy researchers.
• Social scientists.
• Interdisciplinary research teams.
• Graduate students pursuing research on AI-related legal or ethical issues.

Required Application Materials

Applicants should prepare:

• A completed application form.
• A detailed research proposal.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Project timeline.
• Budget information (where required).
• Any additional supporting documents requested in the official call for proposals.

Selection Process

Applications will be evaluated based on several factors, including:

• Academic quality.
• Originality of the research proposal.
• Relevance to AI, law, and ethics.
• Potential policy or societal impact.
• Methodological rigor.
• Feasibility of the proposed work.
• Interdisciplinary value where applicable.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should:

1. Review the official call for proposals.
2. Confirm that their research aligns with the programme objectives.
3. Prepare a detailed research proposal and supporting documents.
4. Complete the online application.
5. Submit all required materials before the application deadline.

Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their proposals early to ensure they can develop a strong and competitive submission.