Governance AI announced the launch of its application. DC Winter Fellowship 2027is a three-month, nonpartisan research program designed to support emerging and experienced professionals working on artificial intelligence policy and governance in the United States.
This fellowship will be held in Washington, DC from January 18 to April 9, 2027. Applications are currently being accepted and the submission deadline is set for Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.
Fellowship Purpose and Strategic Focus
The DC Winter Fellowship is designed to accelerate your career in AI governance through a combination of independent research, policy engagement, and structured professional development.
Unlike purely academic programs, this fellowship focuses on bipartisan engagement and relevance to real-world policy. Fellows are expected to explore how AI governance is shaping within the U.S. political system, providing research findings that can inform decision-making across government, industry, and civil society.
The program reflects the goal of fostering constructive dialogue on the governance of emerging technologies and encourages the participation of individuals from diverse political perspectives and professional backgrounds.
Research-driven fellowship structure
Fellowship participants will conduct independent research projects under the guidance of expert supervisors drawn from GovAI’s internal team and extensive affiliate network. Research topics are selected by fellows and refined during the early stages of the program.
The fellowship begins with a two-week exploratory phase during which participants consider the AI policy landscape before developing a formal research proposal. The final output will be in the following format:
• Policy report
• White paper
• Academic journal articles
• Opinion article
• Research blog
Throughout the program, fellows receive structured instruction and participate in weekly supervision sessions to hone their research and analytical orientation.
Bipartisan engagement and policy direction
The DC Winter Fellowship is unique in its emphasis on bipartisan collaboration. The program brings together participants from a variety of political perspectives to consider common challenges in AI governance.
The main thematic areas are:
• AI regulatory and governance framework
• Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
• Economic impact of artificial intelligence
• Impact of advanced AI systems on national security.
• International competition and US-China relations
• Cybersecurity and biosecurity risks
• AI prediction 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 activities, fellows will 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 experts.
• Skills development workshops and seminars
• Presentation of ongoing research.
• Peer-to-peer feedback sessions
• Social and networking events within the GovAI community.
Fellows are also encouraged to explore long-term career paths in AI governance, including roles in government agencies, think tanks, research institutions, and technology companies.
Candidate profile and selection criteria
This fellowship is open to applicants from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds, including government, academia, industry, and civil society.
Although there are no strict degree requirements, competitive applicants typically demonstrate experience or interest in the following areas:
• Public policy and political science
• Computer Science and Engineering
• Economics and quantitative analysis
• Cybersecurity and biosecurity
• International relations and China studies
• Risk management, audit and assurance
The selection is based on four main criteria.
quality of work
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to produce clear, analytical and balanced research and policy. Strong reasoning and concise communication are valued.
Relevant expertise
Candidates must demonstrate knowledge or skills related to AI policy, but prior expertise in this area is not required.
judgement
Successful applicants will be able to effectively prioritize research directions, assess feasibility, and identify high-impact policy challenges.
team fit
The program emphasizes intellectual integrity, openness to feedback, comfort with uncertainty, and a genuine interest in contributing to responsible AI governance.
Fellowship Arrangements, Compensation, and Eligibility
The DC Winter Fellowship is a full-time, in-person program based in Washington, DC.
The main details are:
• Duration: January 18th to April 9th, 2027
• Stipend: $21,000 plus travel support.
• Workplace: GovAI DC office with desk space
• Other benefits: weekday lunch provided
Visa sponsorship is not available, so eligibility is limited to candidates with the right to work in the United States. However, for eligible professionals already based in DC and working in related roles, part-time arrangements may be considered.
Application process and selection schedule
The selection process consists of three stages:
- Submission of written application
- Shortlisted candidates will complete a 20-minute abstract reasoning assessment
- Selected applicants will take a paid remote work test
- Final stage remote interview and reference check
A final decision will be communicated in October 2026.
Applicants seeking accommodations, alternative schedules, or eligibility clarification are encouraged to contact the program directly.
Addressing intellectual diversity and its impact on public policy
GovAI values intellectual diversity and bipartisan engagement as core principles of the DC Fellowship. The program aims to bring together individuals with diverse perspectives to address the complex issues surrounding AI governance in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
The organization emphasizes that successful applicants may come from non-traditional backgrounds as long as they demonstrate strong analytical skills, sound judgment and a commitment to rigorous policy research.
conclusion
The DC Winter Fellowship 2027 represents a significant opportunity for professionals and emerging researchers seeking to directly engage with artificial intelligence policy within the U.S. context. Through structured research, mentorship, and bipartisan collaboration, the program aims to develop a workforce that can develop evidence-based AI governance strategies at critical moments in technology development.
Applications will be accepted until July 12, 2026.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization providing this opportunity. For inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not submit your application or resume to GSO as it cannot be processed by GSO. Due to the large volume of emails we receive every day, we may not be able to reply to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
