AIxBio Fellowship UK 2027: £10,000 Fully Funded Research Programme in Cambridge
On this page
Applications are open for the AIxBio Fellowship in Cambridge, United Kingdom, with a deadline of October 19, 2026. The 10-week programme brings together people working across artificial intelligence, biology, biosecurity, technology policy and entrepreneurship. Selected fellows receive a £10,000 stipend, with travel and visa support for international participants under the programme’s conditions.
Status: OPEN. Winter 2027 dates are January 18 to March 26, 2027. The official organiser describes the fellowship as a full-time, in-person programme in Cambridge, UK. It is not a University of Cambridge degree or a master’s scholarship; it is an independent research fellowship run by ERA in partnership with the Cambridge Biosecurity Hub. Check the official fellowship announcement and apply.
What is the AIxBio Research Fellowship?
AIxBio supports research and practical projects that could help reduce serious biological security risks, including risks amplified by increasingly powerful AI systems. Participants work on a focused project, receive an expert mentor and dedicated research-management support, and join workshops and discussions with relevant experts.
According to the organiser, the Winter 2027 cohort is expected to include approximately 10–15 fellows. Applications are assessed competitively, and formal research experience is not a universal requirement.
Three fellowship tracks
| Track | Typical work | Who might consider it |
|---|---|---|
| Research | Study a specific unresolved AI-related biosecurity question and produce evidence, analytical methods or tools | Researchers, technical specialists, scientists and policy analysts |
| Placement | Work inside a host biosecurity organisation on a defined research, engineering or policy project | People who want hands-on experience within an existing team |
| Founding | Test whether a neglected biosecurity problem needs a new organisation, tool or initiative | Prospective founders and entrepreneurial problem-solvers |
The programme may allocate fellows across the tracks according to fit. You do not need to claim you have already solved a major research problem, but you should be able to explain why the issue matters and how you would investigate it.
Funding and fellowship benefits
- £10,000 total stipend for the ten-week fellowship, not £10,000 per month.
- Travel support and visa sponsorship for international participants from most countries, subject to the programme’s conditions and relevant immigration rules.
- Meals provided during working hours.
- Workspace in Cambridge alongside the fellowship cohort.
- An expert mentor, a dedicated ERA Research Manager and workshops on practical research skills.
- Access to relevant computing and a project funding pot where useful and approved for the work.
- Support with relocation logistics and connections within the AI and biosecurity research community.
Do not assume the programme pays every possible personal cost, accommodation expense or dependant’s costs. Confirm any arrangements not listed on your offer with the organiser before making financial commitments.
Who can apply?
The organiser says there are no formal eligibility restrictions beyond being at least 18 by January 18, 2027. Applicants from many nationalities, educational backgrounds and career stages are welcome, including students and employed professionals. A previous research publication is not mandatory.
Profiles that may be relevant include:
- AI and machine learning researchers, software engineers and technical safety specialists.
- Biologists, virologists, microbiologists and other life-science specialists.
- Public policy researchers, legal professionals, governance practitioners and security specialists.
- Entrepreneurs interested in creating practical organisations or tools to reduce biosecurity risk.
- Strong generalists who can explain a useful way to investigate a complex problem.
Can Nigerians and Indians apply? The official programme welcomes applicants globally and offers visa support for international participants from most countries. That is broad eligibility, not a guarantee that every applicant will receive UK visa approval. Interested candidates should review any individual visa questions with the organiser.
How are fellows selected?
AIxBio begins with a written application asking about your background, interests and thinking about biosecurity challenges. Strong candidates are then invited for an interview. Depending on the track, some applicants may complete a short work test. The official FAQs say evaluators value clear reasoning, intellectual honesty and the ability to explain uncertain issues, rather than simply polished writing.
Applicants should therefore focus on a real problem they understand or want to investigate, explain what evidence would help, and be candid about the limits of their experience.
Application checklist
- Read the official AIxBio Fellowship FAQ and the three tracks.
- Update a clear CV or résumé describing relevant study, work and projects.
- Prepare concise examples of how you reason through difficult technical or policy questions.
- Identify the specific biosecurity or AI-related problem that interests you and why your skills are relevant.
- Have potential references ready and ensure you can attend full-time in Cambridge for all ten weeks if selected.
- Check the online form for any further required details and submit before October 19, 2026.
How to apply for AIxBio Fellowship 2027
- Visit the official AIxBio Fellowship page.
- Choose its Apply Now link to open the official application form.
- Complete your personal and background information and answer the research-interest and motivation questions in your own words.
- Submit the requested materials and referee information shown in the application.
- Watch your email for interview or work-test instructions if shortlisted.
Deadline: October 19, 2026. The official fellowship page does not state an exact closing time in the details reviewed, so applying well before the final day is safer than assuming a particular time zone. There is no application fee listed by the organiser.
Frequently asked questions
Is AIxBio a paid fellowship?
Yes. The advertised stipend is £10,000 in total for the 10-week programme. Travel and visa support are also available under the published terms.
Must I have a PhD or research publications?
No. The official FAQs say prior formal research experience is not compulsory, and applicants from many career stages can be considered.
Is the fellowship conducted online?
No. The Winter 2027 fellowship is in person in Cambridge, UK, from January 18 to March 26.
Is this a scholarship to study at the University of Cambridge?
No. The fellowship is based in the city of Cambridge and is run by ERA with the Cambridge Biosecurity Hub. It is not a university degree admission offer.
Can employed applicants participate?
Yes, but the programme requires full-time participation. If selected, you may need approved leave or another arrangement with your employer.
Other fellowship opportunities
Readers interested in funded programmes can also explore Zejimo’s Mandela Washington Fellowship guide, Rotary Peace Fellowship guide and World Bank internship guide. Each programme has different eligibility and deadlines.
Editorial verification: October 14, 2026. Sources: official AIxBio programme page and organiser FAQs. Check the official form for the latest status before applying.
