Cambridge ERA Fellowship 2027: Fully Funded 10-Week Research Opportunity in the UK
The Cambridge ERA Fellowship is offering an intensive, fully funded 10-week research programme in Cambridge, United Kingdom, designed for talented individuals interested in artificial intelligence safety, AI policy and related research.
The Winter 2027 Fellowship will begin on 18 January 2027, providing fellows with the opportunity to work alongside experienced researchers, develop their own research agenda and build connections within the growing AI safety and policy community.
What Does the Fellowship Offer?
The ERA Fellowship provides substantial financial and professional support to selected participants.
£10,000 Stipend and Full Funding
Fellows will receive a £10,000 stipend for the 10-week programme.
In addition, the fellowship provides:
- Visa support
- Coverage of travel expenses
- Meal provisions during working hours
- Dedicated workspace in Cambridge
- Research and professional development support
This funding package allows fellows to focus on their research without the financial burden normally associated with an international research programme.
Expert Mentorship
Each fellow works closely with an experienced mentor throughout the programme.
Mentors help fellows develop and refine their research agendas, provide feedback and support their progress during the fellowship. ERA matches mentors and fellows after candidates have been accepted, meaning the mentors available can vary between cohorts.
Previous ERA mentors can be viewed on the programme’s official mentor page.
Research Support and Career Development
The fellowship is designed not only to provide a short-term research experience but also to help participants develop into strong researchers and future AI safety or policy professionals.
ERA provides dedicated research management support, helping fellows improve their research skills and pursue ambitious projects.
Previous alumni have gone on to publish research at leading academic venues, including NeurIPS, one of the world’s major conferences in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Participants will also have opportunities to develop professional networks and connect with organisations working in AI safety and policy.
Cambridge Research Community
Fellows will be based in Cambridge, UK, where they will have a dedicated desk at the ERA office.
The programme includes a strong community component, with regular social events, learning activities and opportunities to interact with other researchers and professionals.
The environment is intended to encourage collaboration, discussion and the exchange of ideas between participants.
Networking Opportunities
Participants will have access to networking and learning opportunities designed to help them build careers in AI safety, AI governance and policy.
ERA can facilitate introductions to organisations and professionals working in the field. In special circumstances, additional financial assistance may also be available to support high-impact career transitions.
Possibility of a Longer-Term Research Position
One of the most attractive opportunities for high-performing fellows is the possibility of continuing their work with ERA after the initial fellowship.
Top fellows may be offered 6-month or longer, fully funded positions through ERA’s Research Scholars programme.
This can provide a pathway from a short-term fellowship into a longer-term research career in AI safety and policy.
Who Should Apply?
The Cambridge ERA Fellowship may be particularly relevant to candidates interested in:
- Artificial intelligence safety
- AI policy and governance
- AI research
- Technology policy
- Machine learning
- Long-term AI risks
- Public policy related to emerging technologies
- Research careers in AI safety
Applicants should demonstrate strong potential and an interest in developing a serious research agenda during the fellowship.
Application Process
Applications for the Winter 2027 Fellowship are currently open.
The selection process consists of several stages.
1. Written Application
The first stage consists primarily of short essay questions.
Applicants should expect to spend approximately two hours completing the written application.
2. Interview – Round 1
Candidates who progress through the initial application stage will be invited to the first interview.
3. Interview – Round 2
Successful candidates will proceed to a second interview as part of the selection process.
4. Offers
Following the interview stages, successful applicants will receive fellowship offers.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Winter 2027 Cambridge ERA Fellowship is:
13 September 2026 at 11:59 PM Anywhere on Earth (AoE).
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications before the final hours of the deadline to avoid technical problems or time-zone confusion.
Key Details at a Glance
Programme: Cambridge ERA Fellowship
Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
Duration: 10 weeks
Start date: 18 January 2027
Stipend: £10,000
Funding: Fully funded
Visa support: Yes
Travel expenses: Covered
Mentorship: Yes
Research support: Yes
Application deadline: 13 September 2026, 11:59 PM AoE
Potential continuation: 6+ month funded Research Scholars positions for top fellows
How to Apply
Applications for the Winter 2027 cohort are now open. Interested candidates should complete the official online application before the deadline.
For additional information about mentors and the programme, applicants can also visit the official ERA Fellowship website.
Important: Applicants should carefully review the official fellowship information and eligibility requirements before submitting their application.
The Cambridge ERA Fellowship offers an unusual combination of £10,000 in funding, research mentorship, professional networking and the possibility of longer-term paid research work. For candidates seeking to build a career in AI safety, AI policy or related research fields, the Winter 2027 programme could provide a valuable international research experience in Cambridge.
https://erafellowship.org/fellowship