Applications are now open for the 2026 University of Oxford Accelerator Fellowship Programme. The Accelerator Fellowship Programme is a pioneering initiative of the Institute for Ethics in AI, designed to address the urgent ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence. Grounded in philosophical inquiry, academic independence, and a humanistic, collaborative ethos, the programme supports work that delivers real-world impact through:
- New professional development opportunities
- Strategic networks and alliances
- Practical and policy-based solutions in AI ethics
Each fellowship centres on impact-driven work under one of the following themes:
- AI, Law and Policy
- AI and Creativity
- AI in Care, Mental Health and Healthcare
- AI and Humanity
The Fellowship Programme is designed for practicing professionals and academics from any discipline, who hold a continuing role within a university, not-for-profit research organisation, or industry, or who are otherwise professionally established and actively engaging with the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence.
The program is looking for individuals who are:
- Committed to advancing ethical and responsible AI
- Eager to make a meaningful, real-world impact in their field
- Passionate about cross-sector collaboration and thought leadership
The programme is open to applicants worldwide. Proficiency in English is required.
- Creativity Fellows may have a background in the creative sectors, or may be working on topics specifically relating to AI and human creativity or AI and creativity
- Care Fellows will be people with a background or interest in how AI is impacting health, social care and/or mental health.
- Humanity Fellows may have a background or focus on any of the humanities. Humanity Fellows may also be computer scientists, working on AI development/evaluation or the impact of AI on society.
- AI, Law & Policy Fellows may have a background in government, policy, civil society and/or may be working on law and policy related topics
Eligibility Requirements
You are eligible to apply if:
- You hold a Masters or have equivalent professional standing (eg: a minimum of 5 years professional experience in a relevant field)
- Your project aligns with the Accelerator Fellowship Programme’s mission and research remit
Fellowship Benefits
The Accelerator Fellowship provides a unique opportunity to advance your work at the intersection of AI and ethics, with support from the University of Oxford’s Institute for Ethics in AI.
Fellows will benefit from:
- Access to networks and resources to support research, shape policy, and create real-world impact
- Intellectual engagement and guidance, working alongside Oxford researchers
- Increased visibility through participation in seminars, public discussions, and collaborative events
- A flexible structure, allowing fellows to integrate the programme into their existing professional commitments
Fellowships can be undertaken:
- Remotely, with the possibility of short visits
- Through a longer in-person stay in Oxford (up to 6 months at a time, provided immigration eligibility criteria for an appropriate UK visa are met)
Please note that these fellowships are not employed positions with the University.
Awards and Funding
Each award includes:
- A monthly stipend of £2,000 to support accommodation, travel, food, and living expenses
- On a case-by-case basis, the would consider support for project-related costs such as:
- Workshops
- Seminars
- Public exhibitions or events
Applicants should include a clear project proposal in their application if they wish to be considered for this additional funding.
Fellowship Duration
Fellows will be granted association with the Institute for 6 or 12 months with start dates from February 2026.
Key details:
- The programme is designed to offer flexibility, allowing fellows to combine remote participation with short visits or a longer, continuous stay in Oxford
- In-person stays in Oxford should align with university term dates to take full advantage of seminars, events, and public engagement opportunities.
Please note all visits to the UK are subject to the fellow either holding an existing right to work in the UK or meeting the immigration eligibility criteria for an appropriate UK visa route.
How to Apply
Step one: Applicants should first complete an application form via this LINK
Step two: Please email the following three documents as a single PDF file not exceeding 10MB using the naming convention ‘Surname_Name_Month_Year_AFP
