Artificial intelligence researchers, policy experts and emerging tech leaders now have a new opportunity to deepen their work on digital consciousness and advanced AI systems through the Digital Minds Career Development Fellowships 2026.
- Artificial intelligence researchers, policy experts and emerging tech leaders now have a new opportunity to deepen their work on digital...
- The fellowship, hosted by Cambridge Digital Minds at the University of Cambridge, will bring together a selective international cohort for...
- Fully Funded Opportunity for Global Participants The fellowship covers travel costs, accommodation at Jesus College, Cambridge, and a £1,000 stipend for...
- Exceptional early-career applicants with strong evidence of commitment to the field are also eligible to apply.
Keep reading for the full breakdown on AI ethics — everything you need to know is covered below.
The fellowship, hosted by Cambridge Digital Minds at the University of Cambridge, will bring together a selective international cohort for an intensive programme focused on artificial intelligence, ethics, governance and digital sentience. Applications are now open for the fully funded initiative, which will take place from 3 to 9 August 2026 in Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Organisers say the programme aims to strengthen research and policy capacity in the growing field of digital minds, which examines whether advanced AI systems could develop forms of awareness, reasoning, or moral status. The fellowship combines technical learning with philosophical inquiry and public policy discussions.
Fully Funded Opportunity for Global Participants
The fellowship covers travel costs, accommodation at Jesus College, Cambridge, and a £1,000 stipend for selected participants. Fellows will also gain access to mentorship, collaborative workshops and project development sessions led by experts in artificial intelligence and governance.
According to programme details published by Cambridge Digital Minds, only 15 fellows will be selected, making the initiative highly competitive. Participants will engage in structured discussions on AI safety, digital consciousness, the societal impacts of intelligent systems, and future governance frameworks.
The organisers are encouraging applications from graduate students, researchers, policymakers, technologists and interdisciplinary professionals interested in the future of intelligent systems. Exceptional early-career applicants with strong evidence of commitment to the field are also eligible to apply.
Growing Global Focus on Responsible AI
The fellowship arrives as universities, governments and research organisations increase efforts to address ethical questions surrounding advanced AI systems. Across the world, institutions are investing in programmes that combine technology research with governance and social policy.
Recent initiatives from organisations including the African Union and the World Bank have also highlighted growing demand for youth leadership and digital innovation skills in emerging technology sectors.
Experts involved in the Digital Minds Fellowship believe interdisciplinary collaboration will play an important role in preparing societies for the next phase of AI development. Participants will work on research and policy proposals that explore long-term questions around machine intelligence and the responsible deployment of advanced technologies.
Applications and Programme Timeline
Applications for the fellowship are currently open, with organisers urging interested candidates to submit materials before the deadline. The programme will conclude with a two-day Digital Minds Strategy Workshop, where fellows will present ideas and collaborate on future research directions.
The fellowship is organised through partnerships involving Cambridge Digital Minds, Rethink Priorities and PRISM. Organisers say the initiative seeks to build a global network of thinkers capable of shaping conversations around advanced artificial intelligence and digital cognition in the years ahead.
Interested applicants can apply here.
This fellowship application has since closed