The Governance AI has announced the opening of applications for its DC Winter Fellowship 2027, a three-month bipartisan research programme designed to support emerging and experienced professionals working in artificial intelligence policy and governance within the United States.

The fellowship will take place in Washington, DC, from 18 January to 9 April 2027. Applications are currently open, with a submission deadline set for Sunday, 12 July 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.

Fellowship Purpose and Strategic Focus

The DC Winter Fellowship is designed to accelerate careers in AI governance by combining independent research, policy engagement, and structured professional development.

Unlike purely academic programmes, the fellowship places a strong emphasis on bipartisan engagement and real-world policy relevance. Fellows are expected to explore how AI governance is shaped within the US political system while contributing research outputs that can inform decision-making across government, industry, and civil society.

The programme encourages participation from individuals with diverse political perspectives and professional backgrounds, reflecting its goal of fostering constructive dialogue on emerging technology governance.

Research-Driven Fellowship Structure

Participants in the fellowship will conduct independent research projects under the guidance of expert supervisors drawn from GovAI’s internal team and broader affiliate network. Research topics are selected by fellows and refined during the initial stages of the programme.

The fellowship begins with a two-week exploratory phase in which participants examine the AI policy landscape before developing a formal research proposal. Final outputs may take the form of:

• Policy reports
• White papers
• Academic journal articles
• Opinion pieces
• Research blogs

Throughout the programme, fellows receive structured mentorship and participate in weekly supervision sessions to refine their research and analytical direction.

Bipartisan Engagement and Policy Orientation

A defining feature of the DC Winter Fellowship is its emphasis on bipartisan collaboration. The programme brings together participants with varied political perspectives to examine shared challenges in AI governance.

Key thematic areas include:

• AI regulation and governance frameworks
• Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
• Economic impacts of artificial intelligence
• National security implications of advanced AI systems
• International competition and US–China relations
• Cybersecurity and biosecurity risks
• AI forecasting and strategic planning

This policy-oriented approach reflects the growing importance of AI in shaping national and global governance systems.

Learning, Networking, and Professional Development

In addition to research work, fellows participate in structured learning and networking activities designed to strengthen their expertise and professional connections.

These include:

• Expert-led Q&A sessions with AI policy specialists
• Skills development workshops and seminars
• Work-in-progress research presentations
• Peer-to-peer feedback sessions
• Social and networking events within the GovAI community

Fellows are also encouraged to explore long-term career pathways in AI governance, including roles in government agencies, think tanks, research institutions, and technology companies.

Candidate Profile and Selection Criteria

The fellowship is open to applicants from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds, including government, academia, industry, and civil society.

While there are no strict degree requirements, competitive applicants typically demonstrate experience or interest in areas such as:

• Public policy and political science
• Computer science and engineering
• Economics and quantitative analysis
• Cybersecurity and biosecurity
• International relations and China studies
• Risk management, auditing, and assurance

Selection is based on four core criteria:

Quality of Work

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to produce clear, analytical, and balanced research or policy writing. Strong reasoning and concise communication are highly valued.

Relevant Expertise

Candidates should show knowledge or skills relevant to AI policy, though prior specialization in the field is not mandatory.

Judgement

Strong applicants are able to prioritize research directions effectively, assess feasibility, and identify high-impact policy questions.

Team Fit

The programme values intellectual honesty, openness to feedback, comfort with uncertainty, and a genuine interest in contributing to responsible AI governance.

Fellowship Logistics, Compensation, and Eligibility

The DC Winter Fellowship is a full-time, in-person programme based in Washington, DC.

Key details include:

• Duration: 18 January to 9 April 2027
• Stipend: $21,000 plus travel support
• Workplace: GovAI DC office with provided desk space
• Additional benefits: weekday lunch provision

Eligibility is limited to candidates with the right to work in the United States, as visa sponsorship is not available. However, part-time arrangements may be considered for eligible professionals already based in DC working in relevant roles.

Application Process and Selection Timeline

The selection process consists of three stages:

Written application submission
Shortlisted candidates complete a 20-minute abstract reasoning assessment
Selected applicants undertake a paid remote work test
Final-stage remote interviews and reference checks

Final decisions are expected to be communicated in October 2026.

Applicants requiring accommodations, alternative timelines, or clarification regarding eligibility are encouraged to contact the programme directly.

Commitment to Intellectual Diversity and Public Policy Impact

GovAI emphasizes intellectual diversity and bipartisan engagement as central principles of the DC Fellowship. The programme is designed to bring together individuals with different perspectives to address complex questions surrounding AI governance in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

The organization highlights that successful candidates may come from non-traditional backgrounds, provided they demonstrate strong analytical ability, sound judgement, and a commitment to rigorous policy research.

Conclusion

The DC Winter Fellowship 2027 represents a significant opportunity for professionals and emerging researchers seeking to engage directly with artificial intelligence policy within the US context. Through structured research, mentorship, and bipartisan collaboration, the programme aims to develop talent capable of shaping evidence-based AI governance strategies at a critical moment in technological development.

Applications remain open until 12 July 2026.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.