About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
The programme focuses on reducing risks associated with increasingly capable AI systems while supporting research that promotes safe, ethical, and responsible technological development.
Travel & Transportation
The 2026 fellowship will run from 6 July to 11 September 2026 in Cambridge, one of the world’s leading centers for research and innovation.
Participants will spend ten weeks working on independent research projects under the guidance of experienced mentors and alongside a community of researchers dedicated to shaping the future of AI.
Fellowship Benefits
The ERA Fellowship offers a comprehensive funding package designed to enable participants to focus entirely on their research.
Successful fellows will receive:
A competitive stipend
Fully funded accommodation in Cambridge
Visa support and visa-related costs
International travel funding
Meals during working hours
Access to research resources and compute infrastructure
Weekly mentorship from experienced researchers
Professional development opportunities
Participation in more than 30 fellowship events and networking sessions
The fellowship’s fully funded structure makes it accessible to talented candidates regardless of their financial background or country of origin.
Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence
Research Areas
ERA welcomes applications from individuals interested in advancing knowledge and solutions across three major areas.
Technical AI Safety
Technical AI safety research focuses on ensuring advanced AI systems behave reliably, safely, and in alignment with human intentions.
Research topics may include:
AI alignment
Control mechanisms for advanced AI systems
Robustness and reliability
Safety safeguards
Risk mitigation strategies
Human oversight of AI systems
AI Governance
As AI technologies become increasingly influential, governance frameworks play a critical role in managing risks and ensuring responsible deployment.
City & Local Guides
Areas of interest include:
Travel & Transportation
International AI cooperation
Regulatory frameworks
Corporate governance
Public policy
Cybersecurity and AI systems
Frontier AI oversight mechanisms
Technical AI Governance
The fellowship also encourages interdisciplinary research at the intersection of technology and governance.
Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence
This emerging field examines how technical tools, system architectures, and AI infrastructure can support policy objectives and improve governance outcomes.
Projects that bridge technical and policy perspectives are particularly encouraged.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to applicants from around the world and welcomes individuals at various stages of their careers.
Ideal candidates include:
Researchers
Graduate students
Early-career professionals
Policy analysts
Entrepreneurs
Technologists
Independent scholars
Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in AI safety, AI governance, or related research areas and a commitment to addressing the societal implications of advanced AI systems.
Mentorship and Research Support
One of the programme’s strongest features is its extensive mentorship network.
Fellows receive:
Weekly guidance from expert mentors
Research management support
Opportunities to collaborate with other fellows
Access to the broader Cambridge AI research ecosystem
Exposure to leading thinkers in AI policy and safety
This combination of mentorship and community engagement helps participants accelerate their research while building valuable professional networks.
City & Local Guides
Why This Fellowship Matters
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve rapidly, governments, researchers, and organizations worldwide are seeking solutions to ensure these technologies remain beneficial and aligned with societal interests.
The ERA Fellowship provides a platform for emerging leaders to contribute directly to this global conversation while gaining access to world-class mentorship, research opportunities, and international networks.
For those seeking a fully funded fellowship in AI safety, AI governance, or technology policy, the ERA Fellowship 2026 offers a unique opportunity to conduct impactful research in one of the world’s most prestigious academic environments.
Key Dates
Fellowship Dates: 6 July – 11 September 2026
Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
Duration: 10 Weeks
Funding: Fully Funded
Interested candidates are encouraged to prepare their applications early and explore how their expertise can contribute to the future of safe and responsible artificial intelligence.
How to apply