ILIAD Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded Research Fellowship in AI Alignment
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ILIAD Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded Research Fellowship in AI Alignment
The ILIAD Fellowship 2026 is a three-month, full-time research fellowship for talented researchers interested in applied mathematics and AI alignment. The program is designed primarily for PhD and postdoctoral researchers in mathematics, theoretical physics, theoretical computer science and related disciplines.
Fellows conduct mentored research on mathematical approaches to AI safety and AI alignment, working closely with established researchers and developing research that can potentially lead to longer-term work in the field.
For Fall 2026, ILIAD is offering three fellowship cohorts beginning in October, November and December 2026. The fellowship provides a USD 6,000 per month travel-and-housing allowance and is conducted in person in London, UK, or the San Francisco Bay Area, USA.
Quick Facts
- Fellowship: ILIAD Fellowship 2026
- Organization: ILIAD
- Duration: 3 months
- Study/Research Area: Applied Mathematics and AI Alignment
- Level: PhD, Postdoctoral or equivalent research experience
- Location: London, UK or San Francisco Bay Area, USA
- Format: Full-time, in-person
- Funding: USD 6,000 per month
- October Cohort: October 5 – December 18, 2026
- November Cohort: November 2, 2026 – February 5, 2027
- December Cohort: December 1, 2026 – March 5, 2027
- Application Deadlines: August 31, September 21 and October 19, 2026, depending on cohort
- Application Fee: Free
ILIAD describes the fellowship as a mentored research program, rather than a taught course. Fellows are expected to conduct independent technical research with support from an experienced research mentor.
What Does the ILIAD Fellowship Offer?
Selected Fellows receive a USD 6,000 monthly travel-and-housing allowance for the duration of the three-month program. This provides a total allowance of approximately USD 18,000 for a standard three-month fellowship.
In addition to financial support, Fellows receive:
- Individual research mentorship
- Opportunity to work with established AI alignment researchers
- Three months of full-time technical research
- Access to an emerging research community in AI alignment
- Support in developing future research proposals
- Guidance toward longer-term AI alignment research opportunities
- Potential assistance connecting with external funders
At the end of the fellowship, ILIAD aims to help successful researchers continue their work through independent funding, academic research positions, new research groups or other AI alignment research opportunities.
Research Focus
The fellowship focuses on mathematical approaches to AI alignment.
Researchers will work on projects that connect mathematical theory with empirical machine learning. The exact research topic may vary depending on the Fellow’s background and interests.
During the program, Fellows are expected to develop a new or existing line of research in applied-mathematical AI alignment and work toward producing a well-developed research proposal.
Potential areas may involve:
- Applied mathematics
- Mathematical AI alignment
- AI safety
- Theoretical computer science
- Theoretical physics
- Machine learning theory
- Formal approaches to AI systems
ILIAD emphasizes research that can contribute to the development of AI alignment as a rigorous scientific field.
Who Can Apply?
The ILIAD Fellowship is primarily designed for strong technical researchers who want to transition into or continue working in applied mathematics for AI alignment.
Competitive applicants generally include:
- PhD researchers in mathematics
- Postdoctoral researchers in mathematics
- Researchers in theoretical physics
- Researchers in theoretical computer science
- Researchers in closely related technical disciplines
- Individuals with substantial equivalent research experience
A PhD or postdoctoral position is not an absolute requirement. ILIAD encourages applicants with substantial prior research experience to apply even if they do not have the traditional academic credentials.
Applicants should be comfortable with largely self-directed research and interested in developing a professional research career in AI alignment.
What Will Fellows Do?
ILIAD Fellows spend three months conducting technical research with the support of an established mentor.
The fellowship involves:
- Developing a research direction in mathematical AI alignment.
- Conducting independent mathematical research.
- Working closely with an experienced research mentor.
- Connecting mathematical ideas with empirical machine learning.
- Developing a concrete research proposal.
- Exploring opportunities for continuing the research after the fellowship.
The intended outcome is a well-developed research proposal that can serve as the foundation for future research or funding.
Future Research and Funding Opportunities
One of the distinctive features of the ILIAD Fellowship is its focus on helping Fellows continue their research after the program.
ILIAD can support Fellows in developing proposals for external funding organizations and research institutions. The organization aims to help researchers secure funding for an additional 6–24 months of research.
Alternatively, Fellows may receive guidance on finding suitable research positions in the growing field of AI alignment.
This makes the fellowship particularly suitable for researchers who are considering AI alignment as a long-term research career.
Fellowship Cohorts and Deadlines
ILIAD is offering three Fall 2026 fellowship cohorts.
October 2026 Cohort
- Dates: October 5 – December 18, 2026
- Duration: 3 months
- Location: London or San Francisco Bay Area
- Allowance: USD 6,000 per month
- Deadline: August 31, 2026
November 2026 Cohort
- Dates: November 2, 2026 – February 5, 2027
- Duration: 3 months
- Location: London or San Francisco Bay Area
- Allowance: USD 6,000 per month
- Deadline: September 21, 2026
December 2026 Cohort
- Dates: December 1, 2026 – March 5, 2027
- Duration: 3 months
- Location: London or San Francisco Bay Area
- Allowance: USD 6,000 per month
- Deadline: October 19, 2026
The deadlines correspond to the respective fellowship cohorts, so applicants should select the intake that best fits their availability.
ILIAD Fellowship vs. ILIAD Intensive
The ILIAD Fellowship should not be confused with the ILIAD Intensive.
The ILIAD Intensive is a four-week, full-time taught course designed to introduce researchers to foundational AI alignment research. The Fellowship, in contrast, is a three-month mentored research program where participants conduct research rather than primarily completing coursework.
Applicants do not need to have completed the ILIAD Intensive before applying for the Fellowship, although ILIAD recommends it in many cases.
How to Apply
Interested researchers can apply through ILIAD’s common online application form.
Applicants should:
- Review the fellowship eligibility and research focus.
- Select an appropriate Fall 2026 cohort.
- Prepare information about their academic and research background.
- Explain their interest in AI alignment research.
- Submit the online application before the relevant deadline.
The first stage of the application is designed to be relatively easy to complete, and applicants with substantial research experience are encouraged to apply even if they are uncertain about whether their credentials fit the traditional profile.
Why Apply for the ILIAD Fellowship?
The ILIAD Fellowship offers researchers an opportunity to move into one of the rapidly developing areas of technical AI research.
Key advantages include:
- USD 6,000 monthly travel-and-housing allowance
- Three months of full-time research
- One-to-one mentorship
- Work with established AI alignment researchers
- International research environment
- Opportunity to develop an original research direction
- Support for future research funding
- Potential pathway into professional AI alignment research
For mathematicians, physicists and theoretical computer scientists interested in applying their expertise to AI safety, the fellowship can provide a pathway from traditional academic research into AI alignment research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ILIAD Fellowship?
It is a three-month, full-time mentored research fellowship focused on applied mathematics for AI alignment and AI safety.
How much funding does the fellowship provide?
Fellows receive a USD 6,000 per month travel-and-housing allowance.
How long is the fellowship?
The fellowship lasts three months.
Who is the fellowship designed for?
It is primarily aimed at PhD and postdoctoral researchers in mathematics, theoretical physics, theoretical computer science and related fields, as well as people with substantial equivalent research experience.
Do I need a PhD to apply?
No. While PhD and postdoctoral researchers are the primary target group, ILIAD also encourages applicants with substantial prior research experience to apply.
Do I need to complete the ILIAD Intensive first?
No. Completing the Intensive is not required, although ILIAD recommends it in many cases.
Where is the fellowship held?
The fellowship is in person, with locations in London, UK, or the San Francisco Bay Area, USA.
What is the application deadline?
For Fall 2026, deadlines are August 31, September 21 and October 19, 2026, depending on the October, November or December cohort.
Specifications
| Type of Opportunity | Scholarships and Fellowships |
|---|---|
| Deadline | Ongoing |
| Open to | All Nationalities |