Application Guide
How to Apply for Winter Research Fellowship, EU Law
at Institute for Law & AI
🏢 About Institute for Law & AI
The Institute for Law & AI is an independent think tank shaping legal and regulatory responses to artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on high-stakes jurisdictions like the EU. Unlike academic departments or large NGOs, it combines rigorous research with direct policymaking advice, giving fellows a rare chance to influence real-world AI governance. Working here means joining a small, expert team where your contributions are visible and your growth is prioritized.
About This Role
This 10-week winter fellowship (1 Feb–9 Apr 2027, with optional 5-week extension) immerses you in EU AI Act research and policy development, either self-directed or under mentorship. You'll produce outputs like reports or policy briefs, attend a fully funded Convening Week in Cambridge, and network with leading AI law experts. It's a launchpad for a career at the intersection of law, technology, and European regulation.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve several hours of independent research—drafting a section of your report, analyzing recent EU guidance, or preparing questions for an expert Q&A. You'll have regular check-ins with your mentor, collaborate with other fellows via Slack or video calls, and occasionally attend virtual events with policymakers or academics. During Convening Week, your days shift to intensive workshops, networking, and presenting your work in Cambridge.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Institute for Law & AI Is Looking For
- Law student, recent graduate, academic, or professional with strong legal knowledge and a demonstrated interest in AI law and policy (e.g., coursework, publications, or work experience).
- Self-starter who can manage a full-time, remote research project over 10 weeks, with the discipline to meet milestones and produce policy-relevant outputs.
- Familiarity with EU institutions and legislative processes, especially the AI Act, GDPR, or related digital regulations; prior AI-specific experience is a plus but not required.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts for policymakers and interdisciplinary audiences.
- Collaborative and adaptable, eager to engage with mentors, peers, and experts during Convening Week and beyond.
📝 Tips for Applying to Institute for Law & AI
Tailor your research proposal to specific provisions of the EU AI Act (e.g., high-risk classification, conformity assessment, or enforcement) and explain how your project could inform policymakers or fill a gap in existing analysis.
Highlight any experience with EU law or policy—even if not AI-specific—such as moot court, internships at EU institutions, or coursework on regulation. Connect it explicitly to the fellowship's focus.
In your cover letter, mention why the Institute for Law & AI specifically appeals to you: reference a recent publication, event, or initiative from the think tank to show you've done your homework.
If you need visa sponsorship, state this clearly and early in your application, and confirm your availability for the full 10 weeks plus Convening Week (dates fixed).
Use the application to demonstrate your ability to work independently: provide examples of self-directed research projects, publications, or policy memos you've authored.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your specific research interests within EU AI law and how they align with the Institute's mission and current priorities.", 'Concrete evidence of your legal research and writing skills, such as a thesis, article, or policy brief, with a brief summary of its impact or findings.', 'Your motivation for a career in AI law and policy, and how this fellowship fits into your longer-term goals (e.g., PhD, policymaking, think tank work).', 'Your ability to contribute to a remote, interdisciplinary cohort, including any experience collaborating across time zones or with diverse stakeholders.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read the Institute for Law & AI's recent publications and blog posts, especially those on EU AI Act implementation, to understand their analytical style and policy positions.
- → Review the official text of the EU AI Act and key accompanying documents (e.g., recitals, guidelines from the European AI Office) to identify unresolved issues you could address.
- → Look up the backgrounds of the Institute's team and mentors—many are leading academics or former regulators—to tailor your application to their expertise.
- → Explore past fellowship cohorts or similar programs (e.g., at other think tanks) to understand the expected output and how alumni have leveraged the experience.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic research proposal that could apply to any AI law fellowship; instead, show you've engaged with the EU AI Act's specific provisions and the Institute's unique angle.
- Underestimating the full-time commitment: indicating you have other major obligations during the 10 weeks or cannot attend Convening Week in person.
- Focusing solely on AI technical aspects without connecting them to legal and regulatory frameworks, which is the core of this role.
📅 Application Timeline
⏰ Deadline: October 12, 2026
We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Institute for Law & AI!