Deadline: 10-Jul-2026
The Digital Minds Career Development Fellowships support individuals working on AI consciousness, sentience, moral status, and the ethical implications of advanced AI systems. The programme funds career development, research, policy work, and interdisciplinary exploration in AI governance and AI risk. It provides stipends, mentorship, and access to networks and events for individuals transitioning into or strengthening careers in this emerging field.
Overview
- The fellowship supports careers focused on “digital minds” and advanced AI ethics
- It includes work on AI consciousness, sentience, moral status, and welfare
- It supports research, policy development, and applied interdisciplinary work
- It is designed for individuals entering or transitioning into this field
- It combines funding with mentorship and professional development support
Purpose of the Fellowship
The programme aims to
- Advance understanding of AI consciousness and moral status
- Support research on ethical implications of advanced AI systems
- Strengthen AI governance and AI risk analysis capacity
- Enable career transitions into high-impact AI ethics and policy roles
- Build interdisciplinary expertise across technical, legal, and philosophical domains
- Expand the talent pipeline in digital minds research and policy
Key Focus Areas
The fellowship supports work across multiple domains, including
- AI consciousness and sentience research
- Moral status of artificial systems
- AI welfare and ethical treatment frameworks
- AI governance and policy development
- AI safety and AI risk analysis
- Interdisciplinary studies combining philosophy, law, and technical AI research
- Communications and public understanding of AI ethics
Eligible Applicants
Applicants may include
- Graduate students
- Researchers and academics
- Policy professionals and civil servants
- Communications and public engagement specialists
- Legal professionals
- Nonprofit founders and organizers
- Participants in AI safety training programmes such as MATS or FIG
Applicants should
- Demonstrate strong interest in digital minds or AI consciousness topics
- Show prior engagement with relevant research or policy areas
- Present a clear fellowship plan
- Ideally have mentorship or advisory support
Priority consideration
- Preference for candidates who lack alternative funding
- Strong consideration for individuals whose participation depends on financial support
- Emphasis on potential for high-impact contributions
Fellowship Support and Benefits
Financial support
- Stipend provided for the duration of the fellowship
- Amount varies based on
- Location
- Experience level
- Duration of participation
- Additional support may be provided for research or logistical needs
Career development support
- Structured fellowship period for study, research, or career transition
- Support for internships or applied work in relevant organizations
- Mentorship and advisory guidance opportunities
- Access to professional networks in AI ethics and governance
Additional opportunities
- Access to computational resources (where applicable)
- Invitation to the annual Mind, Ethics, and Policy Summit at NYU
- Networking with researchers, policymakers, and AI ethics professionals
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on
- Prior engagement with AI consciousness and digital minds topics
- Clarity and feasibility of proposed fellowship plan
- Understanding of AI risk and ethical context
- Strength of mentorship or advisory support
- Potential for meaningful impact in the field
- Degree of financial necessity for undertaking the work
How the Fellowship Works
Step 1: Application submission
- Submit a structured proposal outlining career development goals
- Include evidence of prior engagement in relevant fields
- Provide details of mentorship or support (if available)
Step 2: Review process
- Applications are assessed for alignment with digital minds research
- Reviewers evaluate feasibility and impact potential
- Financial need and career enabling effect are considered
Step 3: Selection
- Candidates selected based on merit, potential, and field relevance
- Preference for those requiring funding to pursue this path
Step 4: Fellowship execution
- Fellows undertake research, study, or career transition activities
- Engagement in mentorship and professional development
- Participation in relevant events and networks
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting vague or unfocused fellowship plans
- Lack of prior engagement with AI ethics or digital minds topics
- Weak understanding of AI risk or governance context
- No clear career development direction
- Failure to demonstrate feasibility of proposed activities
- Ignoring importance of mentorship or advisory support
Why This Fellowship Matters
- Supports emerging field of AI consciousness and moral status research
- Builds expertise in AI ethics, governance, and safety
- Enables career transitions into high-impact AI policy roles
- Strengthens interdisciplinary understanding of advanced AI systems
- Supports underfunded researchers and professionals entering the field
- Helps shape responsible frameworks for future AI systems
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply?
- Individuals interested in AI consciousness, sentience, moral status, and related AI ethics fields
What does the fellowship fund?
- Career development activities including research, study, internships, and transitions
Is prior experience required?
- Prior engagement with AI ethics or digital minds topics is strongly preferred
What financial support is provided?
- A stipend adjusted for location, duration, and experience, plus possible additional support
Are mentorship opportunities included?
- Yes, fellows are expected to have or receive mentorship support
What additional benefits are offered?
- Access to computational resources and participation in a major AI ethics summit
Who gets priority?
- Applicants who lack alternative funding and show strong potential for impact
Conclusion
The Digital Minds Career Development Fellowships provide structured financial and professional support for individuals pursuing careers in AI consciousness, sentience, and ethical AI research. By combining funding, mentorship, and access to leading networks, the programme helps develop expertise in one of the most emerging and impactful areas of artificial intelligence governance and ethics.
For more information, visit Future Impact Group.
