Institute for Law & AI (LawAI) Summer Research Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded)

Institute for Law & AI (LawAI) is currently accepting applications for its Summer Research Fellowship 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.

About Institute for Law & AI (LawAI) Summer Research Fellowship

Opportunity Details

Date Published: November 20, 2025
Application Deadline: January 30, 2026
Category: Fellowship Fully Funded
Oppotunity Locations: United Kingdom

The Institute for Law & AI’s Summer Research Fellowship (EU Law) is a paid program that offers graduate law students, professionals, and academics the opportunity to work at the leading edge of AI, law, and policy, with a particular focus on EU Law. The program supports intellectual and professional development, combining tailored research mentorship with career planning and opportunities to apply legal thinking to current governance questions with policymakers, researchers, and other leaders in the field.

Sponsor Organisation: Institute for Law & AI (LawAI)

Benefits of Institute for Law & AI (LawAI) Summer Research Fellowship

Weekly compensation: €1,000. We encourage Summer Research Fellows (EU Law) to work in person with LawAI staff at our Cambridge, UK office, with an additional €1,000 per week available to support living costs. Participation is contingent on holding a valid work authorization for the location in which you will be based. Candidates with exceptional experience or qualifications may be eligible for higher compensation.
Admission to the Cambridge Forum on Law and AI, from August 18 to 23, with eligible travel expenses covered, including flights, accommodation, and meals.
Close mentorship from our research staff and affiliates.
Q&A sessions with leading experts in the field.
EU AI law and policy networking opportunities and career planning resources.
Opportunities to explore future collaborations, such as follow-on funding through grants, invitations to upcoming events, and potential projects or job openings with LawAI.

Institute for Law & AI (LawAI) Summer Research Fellowship Requirements

Applicants should have a strong understanding of the legal principles applicable to AI regulation in EU Law. We welcome applicants from all countries and with various skill sets, experience levels, and degrees of knowledge in AI, law, and policy to apply, including those who have studied in non-EU countries or who are not qualified to practice law in the EU.
While candidates should have an interest in AI law and policy and be prepared to apply their research abilities and legal knowledge to questions in our field, prior experience or expertise in AI-specific research is not required.
Past Summer Research Fellows have included:
- Graduate law students (e.g., LLM or JD), PhD candidates, and postdoctoral researchers
- Professionals at various career stages looking to transition into AI-focused roles in research, academia, government, or industry
- Legal academics
- See our Summer Research Fellows for more examples.
Ability to commit to full-time work from June 29 to September 4. In exceptional circumstances, we may consider adjustments to the fellowship start or end dates; however, our strong preference is for full participation. Requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. To be considered, please note this on your application.
Ability to attend the in-person week in Cambridge, UK, from July 6 to 10, with eligible travel expenses covered, including flights, accommodation, and meals.
If you receive an offer, we will make every reasonable effort to support visa sponsorship. However, our ability to do so depends on the candidate and their location, and the relevant authorities ultimately determine eligibility. Participation is contingent on holding valid work authorization for the location in which you will be based.

Application Date and Process

Step 1: Submit your application form by 11:59 pm ET on January 30, 2026 (the application should take approximately 20 minutes to complete). We will not be able to assess late applications.

Step 2: Asynchronous exploratory interview (30 minutes)

This interview aims to help us gain a deeper understanding of your perspective on AI development and its implications for society, law, and policy.

Step 3: Research interview (60 minutes)

You will speak with a member of our research staff to discuss your research interests, goals, and fit for our program. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask us questions.

Step 4: Decision

We aim to provide all applicants with a final decision by mid-March. If you need a decision by a particular date, please note this on your application form.

Diversity and equal opportunity: We strive to employ people with many experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who share our mission. We are committed to creating an environment where all employees have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their race, religion, disability, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, or if you have any questions about the application process, please contact [email protected].