The Accelerator Fellowship Programme, offered by Oxford’s Institute for Ethics in AI, is an innovative initiative designed to confront the urgent ethical challenges posed by advances in artificial intelligence. As part of Oxford’s broader commitment to establishing a global centre for AI ethics, the programme aims to gather a diverse group of thinkers from academics to industry professionals and equip them to shape AI development in socially responsible, human-centred ways.
Rooted in interdisciplinary collaboration, the fellowship seeks to transform abstract ethical concerns into concrete, real-world solutions. Through this initiative, the Institute hopes to influence AI regulation, industry practices, and public discourse by connecting research, policy, and practice across disciplines.
Who Should Apply & What It Covers
The fellowship is open to practicing professionals and scholars from any discipline whether they work in academia, non-profit research, industry, government, or civil society provided they are actively engaged with the ethical, social, or governance dimensions of AI. To participate, applicants should possess a Master’s degree or demonstrate equivalent professional standing (for instance, at least five years of relevant experience).
The Programme welcomes proposals across four thematic areas:
- AI & Creativity — exploring how AI intersects with human creativity, arts, and cultural expression.
- AI in Care, Mental Health & Healthcare — examining AI’s role and impacts in health, social care, and wellbeing sectors.
- AI & Humanity — addressing broader humanistic, societal and philosophical questions posed by AI.
- AI, Law & Policy — focusing on regulation, governance frameworks, and legal implications of AI systems.
Whether your background is in computer science, philosophy, law, social sciences, health, or the arts if your work touches on AI and its societal effects this fellowship provides a suitable platform.
Fellowship Structure, Duration & Support
Fellows are associated with the Institute for either six or twelve months, with fellowships starting from February 2026. The programme is designed with flexibility in mind: fellows may participate remotely, opt for short visits, or where eligible spend an extended in-person period in Oxford for up to six months.
Each fellowship includes a monthly stipend of £2,000 to help cover living expenses such as accommodation, travel, and food. In some cases, additional funding may also be available to support project-related costs, including seminars, workshops, public events or exhibitions provided the applicant includes a project plan outlining these needs.
Beyond financial support, fellows benefit from:
- Access to Oxford’s intellectual environment and resources, including research networks, library facilities, and academic guidance;
- Opportunities to present their work in seminars, public discussions or collaborative events;
- Engagement with a global, interdisciplinary community working at the intersection of AI, ethics, policy, and society;
- The ability to balance the fellowship with existing professional commitments, thanks to its flexible format.
Importantly, the fellowship is not a standard employment position rather, it is a form of academic and professional affiliation designed to support independent, impactful work.
Application Process & Timeline
The process for applying is straightforward and rigorous. Applicants are required to submit a single PDF (no larger than 10 MB), containing the following:
- A one-page project statement describing the focus of work, intended outcomes and deliverables, alignment with the fellowship’s goals, potential societal or policy impact, and (if applicable) a proposal for funding related to workshops or public events.
- A motivation letter explaining why the candidate is interested in the programme and how their background and project fit with its aims.
- A two-page CV detailing relevant academic credentials or professional experience.
- For applicants planning to travel to the UK, a copy of their current passport is required.
The 2025/2026 application cycle opens mid-November 2025 and closes on 10 January 2026. The next cycle (2026/2027) opens in mid-May 2026 and closes mid-June 2026. For those intending to undertake in-person stays, it’s advised to apply well in advance to accommodate visa requirements.
Because acceptance depends on the caliber and fit of the project portfolio, submission alone does not guarantee selection.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The Accelerator Fellowship represents a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the global conversation on ethical AI. By uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds law, healthcare, arts, humanities, technology, policy the programme encourages creative, interdisciplinary perspectives on the ethical, social, and legal dimensions of AI.
For professionals and scholars, this fellowship provides a platform to influence how AI is governed and deployed potentially shaping regulations, public policy, and industry standards. It offers a rare blend of academic freedom, institutional affiliation, and practical engagement.
Moreover, in a world where AI is rapidly transforming societies, contexts, and economies, becoming part of such a fellowship empowers one to help direct that transformation towards fairness, accountability, and human dignity.
For anyone committed to responsible AI especially those interested in bridging research, policy, and societal impact this fellowship offers an unmatched opportunity to advance both knowledge and practice at a globally respected institution.
