ERA:AI Fellowship Winter 2027
The ERA Fellowship offers a unique chance for individuals passionate about AI safety, governance, and biosecurity to gain mentorship, resources, and support while working on impactful projects. It is designed for those who want to explore ambitious ideas with minimal bureaucracy and maximum guidance.
ERA Fellowship – Winter 2027 Cohort
By who:
Effective Altruism Research Fellowship (ERA Fellowship)
Location:
Global (remote participation supported)
Deadline:
September 13, 2026, 11:59pm Anywhere on Earth
Type:
Fellowship Program
Description
The ERA Fellowship is a program that supports individuals working on technical AI systems, governance, and biosecurity. Fellows are encouraged to pursue projects that strengthen AI safety, oversight, robustness, and alignment. The program emphasizes autonomy, exploration, and international cooperation, while providing mentorship and resources to help fellows develop their ideas into impactful work.
Benefits:
1. Mentorship from experienced researchers and practitioners
2. Access to resources and guidance for project development
3. Opportunity to work on frontier AI safety and governance challenges
4. Minimal bureaucracy and freedom to explore ambitious ideas
5. Networking with peers and experts in AI governance and biosecurity
Requirements:
1. Strong interest in technical AI safety, governance, or biosecurity
2. Commitment to working on projects that improve oversight and alignment of advanced AI systems
3. Ability to engage with research areas such as interpretability, robustness, auditing, and monitoring
4. Willingness to participate in interviews and provide references during the selection process
How To Apply
Submit a written application (short essay questions, ~2 hours). Selected candidates will proceed to two interview rounds in late September and early October. Final offers will follow, with accepted fellows receiving mentorship and support to begin their projects.
Why Apply
This fellowship is more than just funding, it provides a structured pathway to work on some of the most pressing challenges in AI safety and governance. The emphasis on autonomy means fellows can pursue bold ideas without unnecessary restrictions, while still benefiting from expert guidance. The program’s focus on international cooperation highlights its relevance in shaping global AI policy and security.
Before You Apply
Think carefully about the project you want to pursue and how it aligns with AI safety or governance. Prepare to demonstrate both your motivation and your ability to contribute meaningfully to these areas. Since the application involves essays and interviews, practice articulating your ideas clearly and concisely. Strong references will also strengthen your application, so reach out early to mentors or colleagues who can vouch for your work.
