Application Guide

How to Apply for DC Summer Fellowship 2026

at Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI)

🏢 About Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI)

The Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) is a leading research organization focused on ensuring artificial intelligence is developed and deployed safely and beneficially for humanity. What makes GovAI unique is its commitment to rigorous, interdisciplinary research that informs real-world policy, combined with its emphasis on intellectual honesty and bipartisan engagement. Someone might want to work here to contribute to foundational work shaping the future of AI governance alongside top researchers in the field.

About This Role

The DC Summer Fellowship 2026 involves conducting independent research on a self-selected AI governance topic while participating in structured skill-building workshops and peer feedback sessions. This role is impactful because fellows produce tangible research outputs (reports, articles, etc.) that can directly influence policy discussions and contribute to GovAI's mission of steering AI toward positive outcomes. You'll be part of a cohort engaging in bipartisan dialogue to develop balanced, evidence-based perspectives.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might begin with independent research on your chosen AI governance topic, analyzing policy documents or technical papers. Midday could involve participating in a workshop on policy writing or attending a seminar featuring an expert in AI safety. The afternoon might include a peer feedback session where you present research progress and receive constructive criticism from fellow researchers with diverse backgrounds, followed by revising a blog post draft for publication.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) Is Looking For

  • Has demonstrated strong analytical reasoning through academic work, publications, or projects in relevant fields like public policy, computer science, economics, or political science
  • Shows exceptional written communication skills with samples that balance technical depth and accessibility for policy audiences
  • Demonstrates intellectual humility and openness to feedback through examples of incorporating critiques to improve work
  • Exhibits good judgment in research prioritization, with experience scoping projects that are both ambitious and feasible within time constraints

📝 Tips for Applying to Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI)

1

Tailor your research proposal to align with GovAI's focus areas (check their recent publications on AI safety, international governance, or policy implementation)

2

Submit writing samples that demonstrate both analytical rigor and policy relevance—op-eds or blog posts alongside academic work would be ideal

3

Highlight any experience with bipartisan or multidisciplinary collaboration, as this fellowship emphasizes bridging different perspectives

4

Explicitly address how you handle feedback and intellectual disagreement in your application materials

5

Connect your background (whether technical or policy-focused) to specific AI governance challenges mentioned in GovAI's research agenda

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your specific research interests in AI governance and how they align with GovAI's published work and mission", 'Examples demonstrating your ability to produce rigorous, policy-relevant research outputs within time constraints', 'Your approach to engaging with diverse perspectives and incorporating feedback to improve analysis', 'How your background (technical, policy, or interdisciplinary) uniquely positions you to contribute to AI governance research']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read at least 3 recent GovAI publications to understand their research priorities and methodological approach
  • → Review the backgrounds of current and past fellows to understand the interdisciplinary mix GovAI values
  • → Explore GovAI's stance on specific policy issues (like AI safety standards or international cooperation) to ensure alignment
  • → Understand how GovAI engages with different stakeholders (academia, government, industry) through their events and partnerships

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Discuss a specific AI governance challenge you'd want to research and why it's both important and tractable for a summer project
2 How would you handle receiving critical feedback on your research methodology from someone with a different disciplinary background?
3 What trade-offs would you consider when deciding between depth versus breadth in a research project with limited time?
4 How would you make technical AI concepts accessible to policymakers without oversimplifying?
5 Which of GovAI's recent publications resonated most with you and why?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Proposing research that's purely technical without policy implications or vice versa—GovAI values the intersection
  • Demonstrating inflexibility in thinking or unwillingness to consider opposing viewpoints in application materials
  • Submitting generic application materials that don't reference GovAI's specific work or the fellowship's bipartisan emphasis

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI)!

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