Program Goals
The program aims to cultivate a new generation of ethical leaders who can identify and respond to moral challenges arising from technological innovation. Fellows will develop independent projects that challenge conventional understandings of technology’s societal impacts—sparking dialogue, influencing practice, and promoting inclusive, responsible design and deployment.
Participants will learn directly from Stanford faculty, visiting experts, and mentors from academia, government, and the private sector. Through seminars, mentorship, and collaborative exchanges, fellows refine their projects while contributing to broader conversations on technology, policy, and ethics.
Who Should Apply
The fellowship is open to mid-level professionals working in:
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- Technology companies, startups, or research institutions.
- Government agencies, focusing on policy, regulation, or innovation.
- Non-profit organizations, civil society, or think tanks advancing ethical technology governance.
Ideal candidates possess a practitioner’s understanding of their field, including how technical decisions are made, influenced, and implemented in organizational or policy contexts. They should be impact-driven, collaborative, and eager to engage with moral and social dimensions of technology.
Project Scope and Focus Areas
Applicants are expected to propose an actionable project that produces tangible outcomes—such as tools, publications, or frameworks—rather than purely academic research. Projects should explore or challenge ethical frameworks in technology design, deployment, or policy.
Eligible project outputs include:
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- Written deliverables: policy briefs, model legislation, opinion pieces, or open letters.
- Media or technology outputs: online resources, digital tools, apps, or multi-media content.
- Stakeholder engagement initiatives: professional associations, communities of practice, conferences, or deliberative bodies.
Projects must fit within one of the following institutional or professional contexts:
- Organizational level: shaping ethical norms or internal policies within an institution.
- Field level: advancing professional standards or collaborative frameworks among practitioners.
- Public policy level: influencing policy, legislation, or public awareness.
2026 Fellowship Themes
Each fellowship year centers on broad thematic areas that guide project development and foster cross-sector dialogue. Fellows may interpret these themes creatively and propose diverse approaches.
The 2026 themes are:
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- Meritocracy in the Age of Automation
- Bridge Frameworks Amidst Polarization
- Efficient Gratification, Health, and Wellbeing
- Overlooked Populations in Emerging Technologies
Program Structure and Timeline
The fellowship runs from January to December 2026, featuring a combination of in-person convenings and remote collaboration.
Key Milestones:
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- January 2026: “Fellows Week” — a week-long introductory convening at Stanford University, featuring onboarding, project workshops, and community building.
- Mid-2026: Virtual check-ins, mentorship sessions, and project progress reviews.
- November 2026: “Work Showcase” — an end-of-program event for fellows to present project outcomes, share insights, and plan next steps.
Funding and Support
Each selected fellow will receive a $15,000 stipend to support their 12-month project. The stipend is disbursed in three installments throughout the year.
Additionally, the program covers travel and accommodation costs for both the opening “Fellows Week” and the concluding “Work Showcase” at Stanford University.
Fellows will also benefit from:
- Personalized mentorship from program directors and industry experts.
- Access to Stanford’s academic and research resources, including collaborations with centers such as the Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI), the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, and the Cyber Policy Center.
- Connections with alumni networks and faculty collaborators across ethics, policy, and technology domains.
Application Process and Timeline
Applications must be submitted online through the official Stanford portal by November 14, 2025.
The selection process includes:
- October–November 2025: Application submission period.
- Late November: Candidate interviews.
- December: Fellowship offers released.
- January 2026: Fellowship commencement.
Applicants should review full application instructions and eligibility details on the official fellowship website before submission.
Program Impact
Through this fellowship, Stanford University aims to strengthen global capacity for ethical innovation by equipping practitioners to lead responsibly in an increasingly digital and automated world. Fellows emerge from the program with new frameworks, professional connections, and practical tools to influence technology policy and design in their respective sectors.
By bridging academic ethics with real-world technology practice, the program fosters leadership that prioritizes human dignity, fairness, and accountability in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Key Details
- Program Duration: January – December 2026
- Application Deadline: November 14, 2025
- Location: Non-residential (Stanford University convenings)
- Stipend: $15,000 (plus travel expenses for convenings)
- Eligibility: Mid-career practitioners in technology, policy, or ethics
