UK Winter Fellowship 2027 at GovAI
The Governance of AI (GovAI) programme invites applications for the UK Winter Fellowship 2027. Seasonal Fellowships are three-month opportunities designed to accelerate or launch impactful careers in AI governance and policy. The programme features both a Research Track and an Applied Track, taking place in London, United Kingdom.
About GovAI
GovAI was founded to help decision-makers navigate the transition to a world with advanced AI by producing rigorous research and fostering talent. The team and affiliate community possess expertise across risk management, threat modelling, frontier AI regulation, technical governance, agent governance, AI economics, international cooperation, US-China relations, and AI forecasting.
Alumni have gone on to influential roles in government across the US, UK, and EU, leading AI companies such as Anthropic, DeepMind, and OpenAI, top think tanks including CSET and RAND, and leading universities like Oxford and Cambridge.
Fellowship Tracks
Research Track
Participants in the Research Track conduct an independent research project of their choice with mentorship from leading experts. This track is ideal for candidates interested in contributing to AI governance in roles where producing or consuming research or policy analysis is a main duty.
Applied Track
This track is designed for non-research roles, offering an alternative pathway for professionals looking to make an impact in AI policy and governance.
Fellowship Benefits
Winter Fellows receive comprehensive support to ensure a productive and focused fellowship period:
- A salary of £12,000 for the three-month period
- Financial support for travelling to London
- Provision of a desk in the London office
- Weekday lunches provided while in the office
- One-on-one mentorship and pairing with a supervisor from the GovAI team or network
- Access to expert Q&A sessions, weekly seminars, skill-building workshops, and work-in-progress meetings
- Opportunities to widen professional networks and discuss follow-on career opportunities
- Visa sponsorship is available for a 3-month temporary work visa
Eligibility Requirements
GovAI welcomes a wide range of applicants, from early-career individuals to experienced researchers or policy professionals with established track records in adjacent fields.
There are no specific degree requirements, although the most promising candidates typically have relevant graduate study, research experience, or professional experience in policy. Relevant areas of expertise include public policy, political science, computer science, economics, biosecurity, cybersecurity, China studies, and risk management such as assurance and auditing.
Senior professionals or academics with exceptional profiles are also encouraged to apply, as accommodations can sometimes be made to overcome participation obstacles.
Selection Criteria
When assessing applications, the selection committee looks for candidates who demonstrate the following strengths:
- Quality of work: The ability to produce clearly written, insightful, and even-handed research, showcasing strong reasoning ability and concise writing
- Relevant expertise: Skills or knowledge helpful for AI governance work, which can take many different forms
- Judgment: The ability to prioritise between different research directions and good intuitions about the feasibility of those directions
- Team fit: Openness to feedback, commitment to intellectual honesty and rigour, comfort in expressing uncertainty, and a serious interest in contributing to AI governance
Duration and Location
Winter Fellows will join the programme for three months, specifically between 18 January and 9 April. This is intended to be a full-time and in-person role based in the GovAI office in London, UK.
Applicants requiring a visa should note that they will need to remain in their country of application for some time while the visa process is underway.
Application Process and Timeline
The application process consists of three distinct stages:
- First round: Candidates submit a written application. If selected, they complete a short, approximately 20-minute automated abstract reasoning assessment. Applications open in June 2026
- Second round: A paid, remote work test held in August for invited candidates
- Third round: Remote interviews and reference checks taking place in September
Final decisions are expected to be communicated to candidates in October.
How to Apply
Addressing complex AI governance challenges requires many different skillsets and perspectives. GovAI encourages applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply, even if their experience does not align perfectly with every listed qualification.
Once applications open in June 2026, candidates can reach out directly for deadline accommodations, accessibility support, or any questions about the process.
More Details: GovAI Winter Fellowship
