The AIxBio Research Fellowship 2027 in Cambridge, United Kingdom, offers an exciting opportunity for researchers, students, professionals, engineers, and entrepreneurs interested in the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and biosecurity.
Organised by ERA in partnership with the Cambridge Biosecurity Hub, the fellowship is a 10-week, full-time programme designed to help talented individuals address important challenges involving advanced AI, biotechnology, and global biological risks.
The Winter 2027 fellowship will take place from 18 January to 26 March 2027 in Cambridge, UK. Selected fellows will receive a £10,000 stipend, support for travel and visa costs, meals during working hours, expert mentorship, and access to a dedicated workspace.
Approximately 10–15 fellows are expected to be selected for the programme. Applications are open internationally, and prior formal research experience is not required.
For applicants from Africa and other regions who want to contribute to emerging research and policy challenges, this fellowship offers an opportunity to develop expertise, collaborate with experienced professionals, and build a career in AI safety and biosecurity.
AIxBio Fellowship 2027 Overview
- Fellowship name: AIxBio Research Fellowship
- Organiser: ERA, in partnership with the Cambridge Biosecurity Hub
- Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Programme dates: 18 January–26 March 2027
- Funding: £10,000 total stipend
- Travel support: Covered by the programme
- Visa support: Available for international participants
- Meals: Provided during working hours
- Fellowship format: Full-time and in person
- Expected cohort size: Approximately 10–15 fellows
- Eligible applicants: Individuals aged 18 and above from a wide range of backgrounds
- Research experience: Previous formal research experience is not compulsory
- Application deadline: 19 October 2026
Applicants should consult the official fellowship website for the latest details and any conditions attached to the funding package.
About the AIxBio Research Fellowship
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing scientific research, including the study of biological systems. These developments create opportunities for improving health and scientific discovery, but they also raise questions about how increasingly capable AI systems could contribute to biological risks.
The AIxBio Research Fellowship aims to support people working to reduce catastrophic biological risks, particularly those that could be amplified by advanced AI and biotechnology.
The programme welcomes people from different disciplines who can contribute useful ideas, research, technical expertise, or policy perspectives.
Rather than requiring every applicant to follow a traditional academic career path, the fellowship focuses on talent, critical thinking, the ability to learn quickly, and a commitment to reducing serious biosecurity risks.
Fellowship Benefits
1. £10,000 Stipend
Selected fellows receive a total stipend of £10,000 for the 10-week programme. This financial support helps participants concentrate on their projects during the fellowship.
The stipend is intended to contribute towards living expenses, including accommodation. However, the programme does not guarantee or directly provide accommodation, so applicants should plan their housing arrangements carefully.
2. Travel and Visa Support
The programme covers travel to and from Cambridge and provides visa sponsorship and application support for eligible international participants.
This can make participation more accessible to candidates who would otherwise face significant international travel and visa expenses. Applicants should review the official requirements regarding passport validity and visa documentation.
3. Expert Mentorship
Each fellow is matched with an expert mentor who can provide guidance relevant to the participant's project.
Fellows also receive support from a dedicated ERA Research Manager, who helps them make progress on their work and navigate the programme.
4. Dedicated Workspace
Participants work in a shared workspace in Cambridge alongside the fellowship cohort. This environment provides opportunities to exchange ideas, receive feedback, and collaborate with people working on related challenges.
5. Research Resources
Depending on the project, fellows may access a dedicated project funding allowance and computing resources where useful.
These resources are intended to help participants make meaningful progress on their research, technical work, policy analysis, or organisational projects.
6. Professional Networking
The programme includes research workshops, community activities, and opportunities to connect with researchers and professionals working in AI and biosecurity.
Fellows also join an alumni network after completing the programme, providing a potential source of continuing professional connections and career support.
AIxBio Fellowship Tracks
For the Winter 2027 cohort, the fellowship expects to recruit participants across three tracks.
1. Research Track
This track is designed for people who want to investigate important questions related to AI and biosecurity.
Participants may develop evidence, methods, or tools that help inform research and policy decisions. Applicants should be able to explain the problem they want to investigate and why solving it matters.
2. Placement Track
The placement track allows fellows to work with an organisation involved in biosecurity or related areas.
Depending on the placement, projects may involve research, engineering, policy, or implementation. Participants take responsibility for a defined workstream and contribute to the organisation's activities.
3. Founding Track
The founding track is intended for individuals interested in identifying and addressing neglected biosecurity challenges that may justify creating a new organisation.
Participants explore whether a particular gap requires a dedicated organisation and consider the practical steps needed to develop that idea.
Applicants should review the official track descriptions to determine which option best matches their interests and experience.
Who Can Apply?
The AIxBio Fellowship is open to applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and career stages.
The general eligibility requirements include:
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old by the programme's first day, 18 January 2027.
- Applicants must demonstrate a genuine interest in reducing serious biological risks, including those amplified by advances in AI.
- Applicants should be able to think critically about complex and uncertain problems.
- Applicants must be prepared to participate in the intensive, full-time programme.
- International applicants are welcome, subject to the programme's participation and visa arrangements.
There are no additional formal eligibility restrictions stated on the official website. A PhD, university degree, or previous formal research position is not compulsory.
Potential applicants may come from fields such as:
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Software engineering
- Biology and life sciences
- Public health
- Biosecurity and biosafety
- Science and technology policy
- International relations
- Governance and risk analysis
- Entrepreneurship
- Other disciplines that can contribute to AI and biosecurity
The organisers place substantial emphasis on reasoning ability, intellectual honesty, and the potential to contribute meaningfully to the field.
Required Application Materials
The first stage involves a written application containing questions about the applicant's background, interests, and perspectives on problems at the intersection of AI and biosecurity.
Applicants should be prepared to explain:
- Their relevant background and experience.
- The problems they are interested in addressing.
- Why these problems matter.
- How they approach complex questions and uncertainty.
- What they hope to accomplish through the fellowship.
The application process may also involve an interview and, depending on the chosen track and potential placement, between zero and three work tests.
Candidates should provide honest, thoughtful responses rather than relying solely on impressive qualifications or polished language.
How to Apply for the AIxBio Fellowship 2027
Follow these steps to apply:
Step 1: Visit the official AIxBio Research Fellowship website.
Step 2: Read the fellowship overview, eligibility requirements, and available track descriptions.
Step 3: Choose the track that best matches your interests and the contribution you hope to make.
Step 4: Complete the online written application, answering the questions about your background and the problems you want to address.
Step 5: Submit your application before the deadline of 19 October 2026.
Step 6: If shortlisted, prepare for an interview and any work tests required for your track.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the deadline, so submitting early is advisable.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Winter 2027 AIxBio Research Fellowship is 19 October 2026.
The programme runs from 18 January to 26 March 2027. Applicants should confirm all dates and requirements on the official website before submitting their applications.
Official Application Link
Visit the official fellowship website to read the full details and access the application form.
Official AIxBio Security Fellowship Website
Final Thoughts
The AIxBio Research Fellowship 2027 offers a valuable opportunity for people interested in reducing biological risks in an era of increasingly capable artificial intelligence.
With a £10,000 stipend, travel and visa support, expert mentorship, and access to a research community in Cambridge, the programme can help participants develop projects and explore careers in AI safety, biosecurity, research, and policy.
The fellowship is particularly notable for welcoming applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds without requiring previous formal research experience.
If you are at least 18 years old, interested in the mission, and able to commit to the full-time programme, consider reviewing the official requirements and submitting your application before 19 October 2026.
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