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Accelerator Fellowship: University of Oxford’s Institute for Ethics in AI

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The Accelerator Fellowship Programme hosted by the University of Oxford’s Institute for Ethics in AI, is a pioneering initiative confronting the ethical challenges posed by AI technologies through insight, engagement and collaboration.

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 and Creativity
  • AI in Care, Mental Health and Healthcare
  • AI and Humanity
  • AI, Law and Policy

We welcome applications from individuals seeking to build new collaborations between academia and industry. 

We are looking to recruit 3 to 4 fellows for this cohort. 

General Eligibility Requirements

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.

We are 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 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.

We are 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

Award 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 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 with earliest start dates for remote fellowships from late 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 three documents listed below as a single PDF file not exceeding 10MB.

Save the single PDF file using the naming convention ‘Surname_Name_Month_Year_AFP application’  

Send your supporting documents to aiethicsafp@philosophy.ox.ac.uk with the email subject title ‘AFP Fellowship Application’.  Please do not include any other wording in the subject.  

Document one: a one-page project, statement outlining:

  • The focus of your work
  • Desired outcomes and specific outputs
  • How your project aligns with the programme’s goals
  • Potential for societal, policy, or business impact
  • Opportunities for longer-term collaboration
  • If applicable, include a project-proposal for any project related costs for events, workshops, exhibitions, seminars.

Document two: a motivation letter.

Document three: a two-page CV.

*Please include in the same email a copy of your current passport.

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. We are looking to recruit 3-4 fellows for this cohort. An application does not guarantee acceptance. You will be informed in writing of the result of your application. 

For More Information

2025/2026 Fellowships

Applications open: 18 November 2025

Deadline: 10 January 2026

2026/2027 Fellowships

Applications open: 16 May 2026

Deadline: 13 June 2026

For 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.

Remote Fellowships:

  • Earliest start date for 2026 remote fellowships: late February 2026.

In-Person Fellowships:

Start dates from April/or September

Visit at: https://afp.oxford-aiethics.ox.ac.uk/join#collapse5580681

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