Digital Minds Career Development Fellowship in AI Research and Policy 2026

The Digital Minds Career Development Fellowships, offered by Longview Philanthropy in collaboration with Future Impact Group, provide funding and professional development opportunities for individuals interested in pursuing research, policy, or applied careers related to the emerging field of Digital Minds.

The fellowship focuses on topics such as AI system consciousness, sentience, moral status, and the welfare of advanced AI systems. It is designed to help participants build expertise and explore high-impact career paths that contribute to understanding and addressing ethical questions surrounding increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence.

The program supports individuals seeking to develop their careers through graduate studies, independent research, specialized training, skill development, or practical experience in fields related to Digital Minds. Through financial support and mentorship, fellows can strengthen their knowledge and prepare for meaningful roles in this growing area of research and policy.

• Financial support or a stipend tailored to the fellowship duration, local cost of living, and the applicant’s prior experience.
• Possibility of receiving additional funding for research activities or logistical needs on a case-by-case basis.
• Opportunity to participate remotely, provided the applicant is based in a country eligible for funding.
• Access to networking opportunities with researchers, policymakers, and professionals working in the Digital Minds field.
• Availability of computing resources when required for research or project work.
• Invitation to attend the Mind, Ethics, and Policy Summit at New York University.
• Career development support for exploring high-impact pathways in research, policy, and applied work related to digital minds and artificial intelligence.
• Opportunities to engage with experts working on AI consciousness, sentience, moral status, and AI welfare.
• Enhanced professional development through mentorship, guidance, and exposure to emerging discussions in AI ethics and governance.

• Applicants should have a strong interest in topics related to digital consciousness, sentience, and the welfare of AI systems.
• Applicants should understand how these issues relate to broader discussions around advanced AI risks and governance.
• Candidates should demonstrate the ability to produce impactful work through academic achievements, professional experience, research accomplishments, or strong references.
• Applicants must present a clear and compelling plan for how they would use the fellowship to advance their career and contribute to the field.
• The fellowship is suitable for current or prospective graduate students.
• Technical AI researchers interested in exploring Digital Minds topics are encouraged to apply.
• Professionals working in communications, public policy, law, diplomacy, civil service, or nonprofit organizations are also encouraged to apply.
• Individuals from other backgrounds may apply if they believe their experience and goals align with the fellowship’s objectives.

Application Requirements

• Personal and logistical information.
• A CV or LinkedIn profile outlining educational background, professional experience, and key achievements.
• A statement of motivation (approximately 300 words) explaining the applicant’s interest in Digital Minds topics.
• A description of how the fellowship period would be spent (approximately 200–1,000 words).
• An explanation of the applicant’s expected plans and career trajectory after completing the fellowship (approximately 300 words).
• A description of what the applicant would do if fellowship funding is not awarded.
• A proposed funding amount and timeline for the fellowship activities.

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