CBAI Summer Research Fellowship in AI Safety 2026: Fully Funded Opportunity

Imagine a world where advanced AI systems help humanity without causing harm. That’s the goal of AI safety research. The CBAI Summer Research Fellowship in AI Safety 2026 offers a chance for talented people to join this effort. This fully funded program runs for nine weeks in Cambridge, Massachusetts, from June 8 to August 10. It targets researchers interested in making AI safer through technical work and smart policies.

Program Overview

The Cambridge Boston Alignment Initiative, or CBAI, hosts this intensive fellowship. It brings together experts from top schools like Harvard, MIT, and Northeastern. Fellows dive into real research projects with guidance from mentors. They also attend weekly workshops and talks by leaders in the field. The program builds skills and connections in the growing AI safety community.

Past participants have made big impacts. Some joined companies like Goodfire and Redwood. Others started their own research groups or got papers accepted at top conferences like NeurIPS and ICLR. A few even shared their findings with policymakers in Washington, DC. This shows how the CBAI Summer Research Fellowship in AI Safety 2026 can launch careers.

The deadline to apply is April 12, 2026. Spots are limited, so early applications help.

Research Tracks Available

Fellows choose from four main areas. Each track matches different skills and interests. Here’s a breakdown:

Technical AI Safety

This track focuses on cutting risks from powerful AI. Topics include alignment strategies to match AI goals with human values. Interpretability helps understand how AI thinks. Other areas cover robustness against errors, formal verification to prove safety, multi-agent safety for AI teams, and scalable oversight methods.

AI Governance

Here, the work shapes rules for AI development and use. Research looks at policy frameworks and regulations. It also covers international teamwork and ways to manage risks from strong AI systems.

Technical Governance

This blends tech and policy. Fellows study compute governance to control AI training resources. They explore model evaluations, safety standards, and groups that ensure AI benefits people.

Economics of Transformative AI

This track examines money and jobs in an AI future. It uses data and models to predict growth and productivity changes. Policy ideas address market power and strategies for safe AI growth.

Pick a track that fits your background. Mentors guide projects in these areas.

Benefits for Fellows

The CBAI Summer Research Fellowship in AI Safety 2026 covers all costs. Here’s what participants get:

• Stipend: $10,000 for the nine weeks.
• Housing: Free for those coming from outside Cambridge.
• Meals: Lunches and dinners on weekdays, plus snacks and drinks anytime.
• Office Space: 24/7 access near Harvard Square, close to transit.
• Mentorship: 1-2 hours per week from experts at MIT, Harvard, Northeastern, Boston University, Institute for Progress, AVERI, RAND, and more.
• Research Managers: On-site help from pros in alignment, interpretability, and policy.
• Compute Support: Up to $10,000 in API credits and GPUs for experiments.
• Networking: Events with labs like Bau Lab at Northeastern, Tegmark Lab at MIT, and Harvard’s AI group. Social activities and speaker series build ties.
• Conference Help: Funds to present your work.
• Extension Option: Up to six months more funding for strong projects.

These perks let fellows focus on research without money worries.

Who Can Apply

The program welcomes a wide range of people. You need a strong drive to improve AI safety and governance. Ideal applicants include:

• Undergrad, Master’s, PhD students, or postdocs new to or deepening AI safety work.
• Recent grads switching to AI safety research.
• Anyone over 18 passionate about AI risks.

US international students on OPT or CPT can join. The program does not sponsor visas. Commit to the full nine weeks in person.

No specific degree is required. Show your interest through your application.

Application Process

Applying takes four steps. Start soon to meet the April 12 deadline.

1. General Form: Fill out the online application. Share your background and interests.
2. CBAI Interview: A 15-minute chat to learn more about you.
3. Mentor Task: For some, answer questions or do a code test (tech tracks).
4. Mentor Interview: Final talk with your potential guide.

Apply via the official form. Check the CBAI site for details. Prepare to discuss your ideas for AI safety.

Frequently Asked Questions