The BASE Fellows Fall 2026 program offers a unique opportunity for Black researchers, professionals, and students to deepen their understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) safety, governance, and security. This fully remote, part-time fellowship aims to increase Black representation and leadership within the AI field. By providing expert mentorship and hands-on research experience, the program helps participants contribute to the development of AI systems that are safe, equitable, and human-centered. The fellowship runs from September to December 2026, with applications closing on June 16, 2026.
About the BASE Fellowship Fall 2026
The BASE Fellowship is a 13-week program designed to support and develop Black talent in critical AI-related fields. It operates entirely online, allowing participants from diverse locations to engage. The program focuses on three key areas: AI Safety, AI Governance, and AI Security. Through structured mentorship and collaborative learning, fellows gain the knowledge and experience needed to make meaningful contributions to the AI safety ecosystem and global governance discussions. The initiative is particularly important for ensuring that the Black diaspora is actively involved in shaping AI development and regulation.
Mission of Black in AI Safety and Ethics (BASE)
Black in AI Safety and Ethics (BASE) was founded to build a connected and informed community of Black professionals within AI safety, governance, and security. Their mission includes increasing Black leadership in AI, supporting Black researchers and practitioners, and promoting ethical and equitable AI systems. BASE also aims to build a global network of Black AI experts and prevent the marginalization of Black communities as AI technology advances. They strive to ensure fairness, accountability, and collective well-being in future AI systems, recognizing AI’s growing influence on economies, governance, and public life.
What Fellows Will Gain from the Programme
Participants in the BASE Fellowship can expect to gain substantial professional and academic benefits. These include structured expert mentorship from experienced professionals in AI safety, governance, and security, which helps fellows refine their research skills and navigate career opportunities. They will also gain hands-on research experience, working on real projects related to AI risk analysis, governance frameworks, and policy development. Furthermore, the fellowship provides foundational training in AI safety ecosystems, covering topics like AI alignment, ethics, frontier AI risks, and policy. Finally, participants will benefit from networking and community building, joining an international network of Black AI leaders, and developing their leadership capacity in technical, interdisciplinary, and policy-focused AI spaces.
Programme Structure and Timeline
The BASE Fellowship Fall 2026 is structured as a flexible, part-time program to accommodate participants’ existing academic and professional commitments. The fellowship lasts for 13 weeks, running from September 2026 through December 2026. It is a fully remote program, meaning all activities and interactions will take place online. Participants are expected to communicate their weekly availability and outline how they plan to balance the fellowship with their current responsibilities.
BASE Fellowship Selection Process
The selection process for the BASE Fellowship is designed to match applicants effectively with mentors and research tracks. It begins with an initial application review, where candidates submit their resumes, educational background, work experience, research interests, and motivation statements. Those who pass this stage move to a pre-screening assessment, which may include a coding test for technical tracks or a work test for non-technical tracks to evaluate readiness. Successful candidates then apply to mentor-led projects, with mentors selecting mentees based on compatibility and expertise. Finally, the BASE team issues the final fellowship offers.
Eligibility Requirements
The BASE Fellowship is open to individuals from the Black/African diaspora who are interested in AI safety, governance, and security. Applicants are required to provide details about their educational background, current employment or affiliation, research interests, technical or policy expertise, and leadership experiences. Information regarding their time availability and place of residence is also necessary. Optional profile information, such as LinkedIn, Google Scholar, ORCID ID, GitHub, or a personal website, can also be submitted to provide a more complete picture of the applicant’s qualifications.
Who Should Apply?
This fellowship is particularly well-suited for Black researchers in AI-related fields, policy professionals interested in AI governance, and students exploring AI safety research. AI practitioners, technologists, and interdisciplinary researchers looking for leadership opportunities in ethical AI are also encouraged to apply. The program welcomes applicants from technical, policy, and interdisciplinary backgrounds, aiming to foster a diverse cohort of future AI leaders.
Why the BASE Fellowship Matters
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing many aspects of society, including healthcare, education, governance, and employment. However, discussions about AI safety and governance often lack adequate representation from Black communities worldwide. The BASE Fellowship aims to bridge this gap by creating opportunities for Black professionals and researchers to actively participate in shaping the future of AI systems. By supporting Black leadership in AI governance and safety, the program contributes to building more equitable and inclusive technological futures for everyone.
Application Deadline
The deadline to submit applications for the BASE Fellows Fall 2026 program is June 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM Anywhere on Earth (AOE). It is advisable for interested applicants to apply early and ensure all required documents are prepared and submitted before the deadline to avoid any last-minute issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BASE Fellowship Fall 2026 program?
It’s a 13-week, fully remote, part-time fellowship for Black individuals interested in AI safety, governance, and security, running from September to December 2026.
Who is eligible to apply for the BASE Fellowship?
The fellowship is open to individuals from the Black/African diaspora interested in AI safety, governance, and security, regardless of their current academic or professional status.
What will fellows gain from this program?
Fellows will receive expert mentorship, hands-on research experience, foundational training in AI safety and ethics, and opportunities to build a professional network.
When is the application deadline for the Fall 2026 cohort?
The deadline to apply for the BASE Fellows Fall 2026 program is June 16, 2026.
