Call for Fellowships Jan-June 2026

Are you working on groundbreaking ideas in AI policy, ethics, or governance?
Do you have experience in interdisciplinary settings and thrive in collaborative environments?

The AI Policy Lab at Umeå University invites applications for our 2026 Fellowship Program, supporting researchers based at universities in Sweden and internationally who are exploring pressing issues in diverse sectors intersecting with AI policy.

Our goal is to provide time, space, and support for you to pursue innovative, interdisciplinary research that aligns with the Lab’s mission: addressing urgent challenges and long-term implications of AI through critical and constructive policy analysis. The deadline to apply is  Sunday, June 1 2025, 17:00 CET.

About the AI Policy Lab

The AI Policy Lab at Umeå University is an interdisciplinary research environment hosted by the Department of Computing Science and led by Wallenberg Scholar Prof. Dr. Virginia Dignum. We aim to facilitate cross-faculty and cross-disciplinary collaboration within Umeå University and beyond, connecting academic research with policymakers, practitioners, and other societal stakeholders. By providing a vibrant shared space for short-term, part-time research engagements, we support a dynamic community working on the ethical, societal, and policy dimensions of AI.

What are the AI Policy Lab Fellowships

The AI Policy Lab Fellowships give researchers the opportunity to dedicate focused time to urgent research questions within the emerging field of AI Policy. Projects are expected to be interdisciplinary and have strong societal relevance. All fellows are expected to spend time at the Lab during the fellowship period and will be featured on the AI Policy Lab website.

Proposals can address any aspect of AI policy, with preference given to those that demonstrate a strong multidisciplinary approach.

Who Can Apply

  • Applicants must hold an ongoing* academic position with a recognized university or research institution (PhD students are not eligible)
  • Applicants must hold a PhD
  • It is preferred that applicants have previous experience in AI-related research projects
* your home institution will need to confirm that you hold a position with end date later than December 2026.

Fellowship Duration and Funding

  • Fellowship period: January–June 2026 (flexible start within this period)
  • Max. duration: Up to 6 months at 50% FTE
  • Funding includes:
    • Salary support: Up to 320,000 SEK total (covering up to 50% of your current salary* for up to 6 months and including travel and accommodation costs), invoiced by the fellow’s home institution**
    • Project-related costs: Up to 30,000 SEK in additional research-related expenses (e.g., publication fees, data access) to be requested and used during the fellowship period.

* Overhead costs on salaries are not included.
** The grant is administered by the fellow’s home institution and reimbursed upon invoicing. This is not a full research position but an opportunity to dedicate time to an impactful project while staying engaged in your home role.

Fellowship Expectations

  • Presence at the Lab:
    • Spend at least 75% of your fellowship time on-site at the AI Policy Lab.
    • For external fellows, the physical stay can be adjusted depending on the nature of the project, agreement with their home institution, and the extent of fieldwork involved.
  • Active Participation: Join Lab workshops, lectures, seminars and external stakeholder collaborations.
  • Mentorship & Teaching: We ask you to mentor interns at the AI Policy Lab and/or help organize or deliver workshops and training sessions.
  • Research Outputs: Expected deliverables during or after your fellowship include
    • Draft white paper, policy brief or equivalent research output
    • 2–3 presentations to internal or external stakeholders
    • 2–3 posts for AIPEX (AI Policy Lab’s publishing platform)
    • Final report reflecting research outcomes and contributions
    • Monthly posts on professional social media mentioning the Lab

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed using a 7-point scale, based on the following criteria:

  1. Scientific quality of the project (1-7)
    • Clear research questions and methods
    • Interdisciplinary and/or cross-sectoral approach
    • Feasibility of the proposed research
  2. Novelty and originality of the idea (1-7)
    • Relevance to AI governance, ethics, sustainability, democracy, human rights, or society
  3. Contribution to the AI Policy Lab’s mission and activities (1-7)
    • New cooperations, new research projects, common grant applications
    • Willingness to collaborate, engage in Lab seminars and workshops
  4. Merits of the applicant (1-7)
    • Proof of successful cooperation in multidisciplinary settings
    • Potential previous experience and/or awards in AI research

Application Process

How and when do I apply

You will need to upload the following documents:

  • Project Proposal: Use the provided template. Proposals not using the template will not be considered.
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Letter of intent: A letter from your home institution confirming that your employment continues after the fellowship and that the home institution is willing to handle invoicing, if you are selected.

Who reviews my application

A cross-faculty review group at Umeå University with interdisciplinary expertise will evaluate all submissions.

Review and Notification

  • Information session: Tuesday, 6 May 13:00-13:30 CET (Recording of the online info session)
  • Deadline to apply: Sunday, June 1 2025, 17:00 CET
  • Interviews: mid-June 2025
  • Announcement of Fellows: Friday, 27 June 2025

For questions, contact us at: contact@aipolicylab.se

We look forward to reading your proposals and welcoming new members into our growing community of researchers committed to shaping the ethical, societal and regulatory future of AI!