Women in AI Fellowship 2026

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming every sector — from health, climate, and economics to governance, education, and public policy. Yet women remain significantly underrepresented in these influential domains. This fellowship provides financial resources, mentorship, and technical training to empower women PhD candidates to excel in AI/ML research and shape the future of ethical and inclusive innovation.

The Women in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) Doctoral Fellowship invites applications from outstanding women scholars advancing the use of AI/ML methodologies in their PhD research across any field of the social sciences. The fellowship strengthens women's leadership in computational and data-driven research, addresses persistent gender gaps in advanced technical fields, and supports research that applies AI/ML to societal, scientific, or development impact.

• Table of Content
• About KAIA Network
• Women in AI Fellowship Fellowship
• Aim and Benefits of Women in AI Fellowship Fellowship
• Requirements for Women in AI Fellowship Fellowship Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

Women in AI Fellowship Fellowship

Aim and Benefits of Women in AI Fellowship Fellowship

1. Research Funding (USD 5,000)

A one-time grant, to be used for:

• Tuition
• Computing resources
• Data acquisition or analysis
• Mentorship support for AI/ML applications
• Fieldwork or research-related travel (as relevant)

2. Technical AI/ML Collaboration via the KAIA Network

The New School and the KAIA Network will support:

• Matching the fellow with an AI/ML collaborator via the KAIA Network platform
• Access to a growing network of AI engineers, data scientists, and social scientists
• Capacity-building seminars, virtual workshops, and optional training modules
• Visibility for the fellow's work through the KAIA Network

3. Professional Development and Networking

The fellow will:

• Join a global community of women researchers in AI/ML
• Present work through KAIA Network-hosted seminar series
• Participate in interdisciplinary knowledge exchanges
• Access networking opportunities with partners, including UN agencies, universities, and civil society organizations

4. Knowledge Dissemination and Impact

The fellow is expected to:

• Produce at least one open-access output (working paper, dataset, software package, or technical report)
• Publish a reflective blog piece on the KAIA Network
• Share findings through KAIA-hosted seminar or webinar

Requirements for Women in AI Fellowship Fellowship Qualification

The fellowship is open to women who are:

• Currently enrolled in, or admitted to, a PhD program at an accredited institution in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Conducting research in any social science or related discipline (e.g., computer science, engineering, economics, public health, environmental science, sociology, demography, development studies)
• Demonstrating a clear and explicit intention to integrate AI/ML methodologies into their doctoral research

Important: Applicants must create a KAIA Network profile and apply via the platform to be eligible for the fellowship. This ensures that program participants are embedded in the broader interdisciplinary AI/ML research ecosystem.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more information, kindly visit KAIA Network webpage.