University of Oxford Accelerator Fellowship Programme 2026

The Accelerator Fellowship Programme is a pioneering initiative of Oxford's Institute for Ethics in AI, designed to address the urgent ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence. Grounded in philosophical inquiry, academic independence, and a collaborative ethos, the Programme supports work that

• has strong impact beyond the academy
• favours the development of AI in a responsible and ethical direction
• is aligned with least one research priority of the Institute for Ethics in AI
• amplifies the impact of research already ongoing at the Institute

Impacts could include (but are not restricted to)

• policy or governance innovation in AI 
• the creation of new professional development opportunities in the AI industry and related sectors
• commercial or technical innovation in responsible AI
• the creation of strategic networks and alliances
• the transformation of public discourse about, or public awareness of, AI, in particular with an ethics focus

• Table of Content
• About University of Oxford
• Accelerator Fellowship Programme Fellowship
• Aim and Benefits of Accelerator Fellowship Programme Fellowship
• Requirements for Accelerator Fellowship Programme Fellowship Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Accelerator Fellowship Programme Fellowship
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

Accelerator Fellowship Programme Fellowship

Aim and Benefits of Accelerator Fellowship Programme Fellowship

Each award includes:

• A monthly stipend of £2,000 to support accommodation, travel, food, and living expenses
• On a case-by-case basis we 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.

Fellows will be granted association with the Institute for 6 or 12 months. 

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.

Requirements for Accelerator Fellowship Programme Fellowship Qualification

1. Applicants who hold a PhD must:
   • Provide evidence of peer-reviewed publications (minimum of two).
   • Provide evidence of a rising trajectory of research including at least one grant awarded as either Principal Investigator (PI), or Co-investigator (Co-I).
2. Applicants without a PhD must:
   • Have equivalent professional standing (minimum 7 years) in a relevant specialised field, and will need to evidence:
     • advanced expertise
     • a track record of original contributions
     • peer or professional recognition
     • evidence of significant impact in their field
3. All applicants must:
   • Demonstrate that their project aligns with:
     • the mission of the Accelerator Fellowship Programme
     • at least one research priority of the Institute for Ethics in AI
   • Demonstrate proficiency in English.

Interview date, Process and Venue for Accelerator Fellowship Programme Fellowship

Remote Fellowships:

Earliest start date for 2026/27 remote fellowships is September 2026.

In-Person Fellowships: 

Start dates from April 2027 or September 2027

Applicants planning an in-person stay: 

• If you require a visa, apply at least 6 months before your intended visit. 
• If you do not require a visa, apply at least 3 months in advance. 
• If you are unsure about visa requirements, follow the 6-month timeline.

Check also:
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC 2027
Chevening Scholarship 2027

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Step one: Complete an online application form via this LINK 

Step two: Email the three documents listed below, saving the files as PDFs and using the naming convention 'Surname_Name_Month_Year_AFP_filetype (eg Statement, Letter, or CV)? 

Send your supporting documents to?[email protected]?with the email subject title 'AFP Fellowship Application'.? Please do not include any other wording in the subject.  

1. Project statement (max 500 words) outlining:

• the focus of your work
• specific intended outcomes and outputs
• how your project aligns with the mission and research remit of the Accelerator Fellowship Programme
• how your project aligns with at least one research priority of the Institute for Ethics in AI
• clear pathways to impact beyond the academy (e.g. social, policy, business) with milestones
• length of Fellowship requested (6 or 12 month) 
• a proposal and brief cost justification for any project-related expenses (e.g., events, workshops, exhibitions, seminars), if these are sought

2. Motivation letter (max 500 words)

3. CV (max two pages) 

Step three: Once received, your application will be reviewed and the Programme will contact you by email to inform you of the outcome of your application. 

Please note that our intake is competitive,?and?suitability depends on a variety of factors including our current portfolio of projects. A selection panel reviews the applications and the panel’s decision will be final. The selection process will include an interview for short-listed applicants. We are looking to recruit 3-4 fellows for this cohort.

For more information, kindly visit University of Oxford scholarship webpage.