The Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University is excited to announce that applications are now open for the Berkman Klein Center Fellowship 2026. This highly prestigious fellowship program is designed for scholars, practitioners, researchers, technologists, and policy experts who are deeply engaged in exploring the ethics, governance, societal impact, and responsible development of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The fellowship provides a unique opportunity for fellows to engage in groundbreaking interdisciplinary research, participate in collaborative projects, and interact with a global network of leading experts from diverse fields including law, computer science, public policy, philosophy, social sciences, and the humanities. Fellows are encouraged to examine the complex ways in which AI systems shape human experiences, influence decision-making, and affect societal structures.
Fellowship Benefits
The Berkman Klein Center Fellowship offers comprehensive support and resources to ensure fellows can focus entirely on research and impact-driven projects. Key benefits include:
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Annual Stipend of up to $75,000 USD to support living expenses and research-related costs.
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Full access to Harvard University libraries, archives, and research facilities, including cutting-edge resources in law, technology, and social sciences.
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Dedicated office space at Harvard Law School, enabling close collaboration with faculty, students, and visiting scholars.
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Visa sponsorship for international fellows, making the program accessible to researchers from around the world.
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Membership in a vibrant, interdisciplinary AI research community, providing networking opportunities, mentorship, and collaboration with peers who are shaping the future of AI governance and ethics.
Key Research Areas
Fellows at the Berkman Klein Center are encouraged to explore critical and forward-thinking topics in AI, including but not limited to:
- Agentic AI & Accountability: Investigating how autonomous systems make decisions, the responsibilities of developers, and frameworks for accountability.
- Language Model Transparency: Researching ways to make AI language models interpretable, safe, and trustworthy.
- Benchmarking AI Beyond Intelligence: Developing methods to evaluate AI systems based on ethical, social, and human-centered criteria rather than purely technical performance.
- AI & the Human Experience: Examining how AI systems affect human behavior, society, labor, creativity, privacy, and ethical norms.
The fellowship is intentionally designed to bridge disciplinary boundaries, encouraging projects that integrate technology with societal, ethical, and legal perspectives to ensure AI is developed and deployed responsibly.
Who Should Apply
The Berkman Klein Center Fellowship is ideal for:
- Researchers and scholars from universities and think tanks
- Practitioners and policy experts working on AI governance, ethics, and social impact
- Technologists interested in ethical AI, human-centered design, and responsible innovation
- Individuals from interdisciplinary backgrounds, including law, computer science, philosophy, social sciences, and public policy
Applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing ethical, inclusive, and accountable AI, and show potential to contribute meaningfully to the academic and practitioner communities at Harvard and beyond. Apply Here
Why Apply
Being a Berkman Klein Fellow provides an unparalleled opportunity to:
- Conduct innovative, high-impact research at one of the worldβs most prestigious academic institutions.
- Collaborate with leading faculty, researchers, and visiting scholars across disciplines.
- Contribute to the global discourse on AI ethics, governance, and societal impact.
- Access resources and mentorship that support both academic research and practical applications of AI.
- Engage with policy-makers, industry leaders, and international organizations, helping translate research into actionable insights.
The fellowship encourages projects that are not only intellectually rigorous but also socially meaningful, enabling fellows to shape conversations and policies around the responsible development of AI technologies.
Application Process
Interested applicants should prepare:
- A detailed research proposal outlining the objectives, methodology, and potential impact of the proposed work.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting academic, professional, and research accomplishments.
- Letters of recommendation from academic or professional mentors familiar with the applicantβs work.
- A statement demonstrating alignment with the mission and research focus of the Berkman Klein Center.
All application materials should be submitted online by December 5, 2025. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interviews or additional materials.
Join a Global Community
The Berkman Klein Center Fellowship is more than a research program β it is an invitation to join a global, interdisciplinary community of thought leaders shaping the future of AI. Fellows collaborate with experts across continents, participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences, and contribute to cutting-edge research projects that have real-world implications.
International applicants are welcome and supported through visa sponsorship and integration into Harvardβs academic and research ecosystem. The fellowship emphasizes inclusivity, diversity, and collaboration, ensuring that different perspectives and experiences are central to research and policy discussions.
The Berkman Klein Center Fellowship 2026 represents a unique opportunity to influence the trajectory of AI research, governance, and ethics while leveraging the resources, mentorship, and reputation of Harvard University. It is ideal for individuals passionate about shaping AI technologies in ways that prioritize human values, accountability, and social benefit.
Fellows leave the program with a strong professional network, enhanced research credentials, and the ability to impact global AI policy and innovation, making it a transformative experience for both early-career and established researchers.
Take this opportunity to contribute to ethical, human-centered AI research and become part of a global initiative advancing knowledge, policy, and practice at one of the worldβs most influential academic centers.
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