The AIxBio Research Fellowship 2027 is a fully funded 10-week fellowship in Cambridge, UK, designed for researchers, entrepreneurs, engineers, scientists, policy professionals, and other talented individuals interested in addressing important challenges at the intersection of artificial intelligence and biosecurity. The fellowship is run by ERA in partnership with the Cambridge Biosecurity Hub.

The Winter 2027 programme will take place from 18 January to 26 March 2027 and will bring together approximately 10–15 fellows to work on concrete biosecurity problems with support from experienced mentors and research managers.

What Does the Fellowship Offer?

Selected fellows receive a £10,000 stipend for the ten-week programme, along with travel support and visa sponsorship for international participants from most countries. Fellows also receive meals during working hours, workspace in Cambridge, access to project funding and computing resources where relevant, and operational support for relocating to Cambridge.

The fellowship provides personalised support through an expert mentor and a dedicated ERA Research Manager. Fellows can also participate in research workshops, talks, networking opportunities and community activities while connecting with researchers working across AI safety, biosecurity, policy, academia and industry.

Fellowship Tracks

The AIxBio Fellowship offers three main tracks:

1. Research

The Research track allows fellows to investigate an open biosecurity question and develop evidence, methods or tools that could influence research or policy decisions.

2. Placement

The Placement track involves working with a biosecurity organisation and taking responsibility for a real project or workstream in areas such as research, engineering, policy or implementation.

3. Founding

The Founding track is designed for people interested in identifying neglected biosecurity problems and exploring whether a new organisation, company or nonprofit could help address them.

Who Can Apply?

The AIxBio Research Fellowship follows a talent-first approach. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, but there are no other formal eligibility restrictions. Applicants can come from different academic, professional and career backgrounds, and previous formal research experience is not required.

The programme is particularly relevant for people with backgrounds in:

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Computer science and software
• Virology and microbiology
• Molecular biology and biophysics
• Biotechnology and life sciences
• Public health
• Policy, governance and security
• Research and academia
• Entrepreneurship and founding

The fellowship is also open to people transitioning from adjacent fields who can contribute to reducing catastrophic biological risks.

Application Process

The application process begins with a written application covering the applicant’s background, interests and approach to AI and biosecurity problems. Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview with the ERA team. Depending on the selected track, some candidates may also be asked to complete short work tests.

Applications for the Winter 2027 AIxBio Research Fellowship close on 19 October 2026. Interested applicants should prepare their applications early and carefully review the official fellowship requirements before applying.

Why Apply for the AIxBio Fellowship?

The fellowship provides an opportunity to spend 10 weeks in Cambridge working on important problems related to AI safety, biotechnology and biosecurity while receiving financial and professional support. Fellows can develop research projects, gain expert mentorship, build connections within the field and potentially continue their work through longer-term opportunities.

For applicants interested in AI, biotechnology, biosecurity, policy, research or entrepreneurship, the AIxBio Research Fellowship offers an opportunity to work at the intersection of some of the world’s most important emerging challenges.