AI Policy Lab Externship Programme 2027
Research opportunity - Remote or on-site in Umeå - February–June 2027
The AI Policy Lab invites Bachelor’s and Master’s students and 2026 graduates from Umeå University and around the world to join its research programme. Develop your own AI policy research project, receive individual mentorship and collaborate with researchers from different disciplines.
- Places10 externsIn the 2027 cohort
- Duration5 months1 February – 15 June 2027
- FormatRemote or on‑siteOnline from anywhere or in Umeå
- CompensationUnpaidNo salary, stipend or travel support
- Application deadline: 30 November 2026 – Short video required for your application
About the programme
The AI Policy Lab Externship Programme offers emerging researchers an opportunity to gain practical experience in responsible AI and AI governance.
Unlike a traditional internship, the programme is centred on an independent research project proposed and developed by each participant. Externs are encouraged to explore questions that matter to them, drawing on their academic backgrounds, regional perspectives and research interests.
The Externship is part-time and designed to fit around academic commitments. Externs manage their own progress, with support from their mentor and from discussions with researchers and fellow externs.
What will you do?
Conduct independent research
Develop your own AI policy research question, conduct a literature review, analyse policy developments and investigate your topic using appropriate research methods.
Work with a mentor
Receive individual guidance from a researcher at the AI Policy Lab or its network. Discuss your research direction, receive feedback and develop your analytical skills.
Participate in workshops and discussions
Join research workshops, Lab seminars and group discussions covering AI governance, research methods, policy writing and communication.
Produce and present your research
Develop a final research output, such as a policy brief, white paper, research report or prototype. Present your findings to the Lab community.
Curious what an externship project looks like? Explore the 2026 externship projects
Who can apply?
We are looking for curious, motivated individuals with a genuine interest in responsible AI and its societal implications. Applicants should demonstrate critical thinking, initiative and a willingness to explore complex questions through independent research.
- Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programme at a recognised university.
- Completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in 2026.
Applicants from computer science, AI, philosophy, political science, science and technology studies (STS), law, international relations, sociology and other relevant disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Not eligible: doctoral (PhD) candidates, and graduates who completed their degree before 2026 and are not currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme.
Previous research experience or specialised knowledge of AI policy is not required. What matters most is a thoughtful research idea, the motivation to develop it and an openness to learning and collaborating with researchers from different disciplines.
Studying at Umeå University?
You are welcome to take part in person as well as online.
Alongside your studies, you can join seminars and discussions at the Lab and get to know the researchers working on AI policy. Students from all faculties are welcome.
Applicants from other universities can also take part on-site if they can cover their own travel, accommodation and living expenses. In-person participation is optional, depends on practical arrangements and does not affect selection.
Research areas
We welcome research proposals addressing the governance and societal implications of artificial intelligence.
AI Governance & Compliance
Regulation, accountability, standards and policy implementation.
AI and Human Rights
Fundamental rights, fairness, discrimination and inclusion.
AI, Society & Democracy
Democratic institutions, public participation and societal change.
Environmental Impacts of AI
Energy, infrastructure, sustainability and environmental governance.
Global AI Policy
International coordination, regional approaches and policy harmonisation.
AI and Education
The impact of AI on teaching, learning and assessment.
Relational AI and Local Knowledge
How local, Indigenous and community knowledge can shape AI and its governance. Especially welcome if you are connected to a specific community.
Emerging AI Policy Challenges
New questions raised by fast-moving developments in AI.
Your own question
Have another idea? Propose any question on the governance and societal impact of AI.
What will you gain?
✔️ Individual mentorship and constructive feedback from experienced researchers.
✔️ Practical research experience in AI policy and responsible AI governance.
✔️ International connections with researchers and fellow externs from different disciplines.
✔️ Publication and presentation opportunities through AI Policy Lab channels, subject to review.
✔️ Certificate of completion recognising successful participation.
Selected research outputs may also be submitted to AIPEX for consideration, subject to its separate editorial review process.
Programme format and commitment
The Externship is part-time and designed to be combined with studies or other commitments.
Research projects vary in scope and methodology, so there is no fixed number of hours required each week. You plan the scope of your project together with your mentor so that it fits the time you have available. Mentor meetings are scheduled between you and your mentor.
The fixed commitments are online workshops of about 90 minutes every two to four weeks, a mid-term presentation in April and a final presentation in June.
The programme runs in English. Online workshops and meetings are scheduled in Swedish time (CET).
This is an unpaid research opportunity and does not constitute employment at Umeå University. The Lab does not provide financial support for participation, travel, accommodation or living expenses.
Key dates
How to apply
Your application has three parts. Prepare them first, then submit them under Ready to apply? by 30 November 2026.
- CVNo more than two pages, outlining your academic background and relevant experience.
- Short videoRequired · 60–120 secondsA short recording answering the question below, separate from your written proposal.
- Research proposalYour research question, a specific starting point and your approach. About 550 words in total. Your idea can still be developing.Written in the application form
Choose one AI policy issue that you believe deserves more attention. Why does it matter and what would you like to investigate?
- A phone or laptop recording is enough. No editing, slides or special equipment needed.
- Speak in your own words. No script or polished presentation needed.
- We focus on your ideas, not your appearance, accent or recording quality.
Your video must be recorded by you, in your own voice. AI-generated, voice-cloned, avatar or machine-translated videos will not be considered.
Your video is stored securely on Umeå University’s OneDrive, used only to assess your application and deleted after the selection process.
Can’t submit a video for accessibility or technical reasons? Contact us using the form at the bottom of this page before the deadline and we will arrange an equivalent alternative.
Selection process
Applications are assessed on:
- the relevance of the proposed research
- the clarity and originality of the research question
- the feasibility of the project within the programme
- motivation and initiative
- potential for independent research
- suitability for interdisciplinary collaboration
Shortlisted candidates may be asked to provide official proof of current university enrolment or completion of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in 2026 before receiving a final offer.
There is no interview stage. All applicants will be informed of the outcome by mid-January 2027.
A human will read your application. Please write for one.
We read applications ourselves and after a few hundred, generic AI-generated answers start to sound remarkably alike. You don’t need perfect English, impressive buzzwords or an elaborate motivation letter. We’d much rather hear your own ideas, even if they’re still developing.
Use AI to support your writing if you wish but don’t let it replace your thinking.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on Monday 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET. Please complete all three steps.
- Step 1Upload your CVPDF, max. two pages. Name it:
Surname_Firstname_CVUpload CV (opens in a new tab) - Step 2Upload your videoMP4 or MOV, 60–120 seconds. Name it:
Surname_Firstname_VideoUpload video (opens in a new tab) - Step 3Complete the application formYour research proposal and details. Use the same name as in your file names.Open application form (opens in a new tab)
Uploads go to secure Umeå University storage. You will not see a list of files after uploading. This is normal, as no applicant can see anyone else’s files.
Frequently asked questions
Is the programme paid?
No. The Externship is an unpaid research opportunity and does not constitute employment at Umeå University. The Lab does not provide a salary, stipend or support for travel, accommodation or living expenses.
How much time will I need?
The Externship is part-time and designed to be combined with studies or other commitments. There are no fixed weekly hours. You plan the scope of your project together with your mentor so that it fits the time you have available. Mentor meetings are scheduled between you and your mentor.
The fixed commitments are online workshops of about 90 minutes every two to four weeks, a mid-term presentation in April and a final presentation in June.
Can I receive academic credit?
The programme does not award academic credits. If you would like your participation recognised in your degree, please check with your own department before applying.
Which language is the programme in?
The programme runs in English. You do not need perfect English. We care about your ideas, not polished language.
Can I use AI tools?
You may use AI to support your writing, for example to check grammar or structure your ideas. However, your video must be recorded by you in your own voice. During the programme you will be expected to take part in discussions, mentoring meetings and presentations yourself, in English. Your English does not need to be perfect. If it becomes clear that an application misrepresented a participant’s own skills or work, the Lab may withdraw the offer or end the participation.
When do online activities take place?
Online workshops and meetings are scheduled in Swedish time (CET/CEST). Please check how this fits with your own time zone before applying.
I am a PhD student or I graduated before 2026. Can I apply?
Unfortunately not. The programme is open to students currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme and to people who completed one of these degrees in 2026. If you graduated earlier but are currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme, you are eligible.
Do I need a fully developed research idea?
No. We are looking for a clear, thoughtful starting point and your mentor will help you refine it during the programme.
Can I take part on-site if I am not an Umeå University student?
Yes, if you can cover your own travel, accommodation and living expenses and practical arrangements allow. On-site participation is optional and does not affect selection.
How is my video stored?
Videos are stored securely on Umeå University’s OneDrive, used only to assess your application and deleted after the selection process.
When will I hear back?
All applicants will be informed of the outcome by mid-January 2027.
About the AI Policy Lab
The AI Policy Lab is an interdisciplinary research environment hosted by the Department of Computing Science at Umeå University. It is led by the Wallenberg Scholar Professor Virginia Dignum. The Lab brings together researchers and practitioners to advance responsible AI through research, policy dialogue and public engagement. Learn more about the Lab.