Harvard University AI Ethics Fellowship 2026–2027

The AI Ethics Fellowship 2026–2027 is a prestigious postdoctoral research fellowship supported by Harvard University’s Center for Hellenic Studies (CHS) in Greece. This year-long fellowship is designed for scholars who wish to explore the ethical, social, philosophical, and policy dimensions of artificial intelligence in an increasingly AI-driven world.

The fellowship provides a unique academic platform for critical inquiry into how AI technologies influence human values, governance, accountability, justice, and societal well-being.

About the Fellowship

The AI Ethics Fellowship is a 12-month academic appointment running from July 2026 to June 2027. Fellows are expected to pursue an independent research project that addresses key ethical questions raised by artificial intelligence and emerging digital technologies.

During the fellowship period, participants become part of an international scholarly community and are encouraged to engage in interdisciplinary dialogue, present their research, and contribute to broader public and academic debates on AI ethics.

Who Can Apply — Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must generally meet the following requirements:

• Hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree, completed before the start of the fellowship
• Demonstrate a strong research background related to AI ethics, philosophy, law, public policy, social sciences, or interdisciplinary technology studies
• Be fluent in English
• Show clear potential to contribute original and impactful research on ethical issues surrounding artificial intelligence

The fellowship welcomes scholars from diverse academic disciplines, provided their work meaningfully engages with ethical and societal implications of AI.

Research Focus Areas

Proposed research topics may include, but are not limited to:

• Ethical frameworks for artificial intelligence
• AI governance, regulation, and accountability
• Bias, fairness, and inclusion in algorithmic systems
• Human autonomy, responsibility, and decision-making in AI contexts
• AI and democracy, surveillance, or digital rights
• Cultural and philosophical perspectives on intelligent technologies

Interdisciplinary approaches that connect technology with humanities and social sciences are strongly encouraged.

Fellowship Benefits & Support

Selected fellows typically receive:

• A 12-month fellowship appointment
• A research stipend to support academic and living expenses
• Access to Harvard University’s digital libraries and research resources
• Travel support for participation in fellowship-related academic events
• Opportunities to present work at workshops, seminars, or conferences
• Support for publishing or disseminating research outputs

These benefits allow fellows to focus fully on research while engaging with a global academic network.

Application Requirements

Applicants are usually required to submit:

• A detailed research proposal outlining objectives, methodology, and expected contribution
• An academic CV
• Academic transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• Writing samples or evidence of prior research (if required)

Applications are evaluated based on academic merit, originality, relevance of the research topic, and alignment with the fellowship’s focus on AI ethics.

Why This Fellowship Matters

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape societies, economies, and governance systems, ethical reflection is more critical than ever. This fellowship contributes to:

• Advancing responsible and human-centred AI discourse
• Supporting evidence-based and philosophical approaches to AI governance
• Encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration across technology, ethics, and policy
• Preparing scholars to influence public debate, regulation, and institutional practice

The programme plays a vital role in shaping informed, ethical responses to technological transformation.

The AI Ethics Fellowship 2026–2027 is an outstanding opportunity for postdoctoral researchers seeking to make meaningful contributions to the ethical understanding of artificial intelligence. With strong institutional backing, academic freedom, and global engagement, this fellowship offers an ideal environment to conduct impactful research at the intersection of technology and society.