BASE Fellows Fall 2026: A Deep Dive into the AI Safety Fellowship

The BASE Fellows Fall 2026 program offers a significant opportunity for Black researchers, professionals, and students to engage deeply with the critical fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safety, Governance, and Security. This fully remote, part-time fellowship aims to increase representation and leadership from the Black diaspora within the global AI ecosystem. By providing hands-on research experience, expert mentorship, and foundational training, the program seeks to ensure that future AI systems are developed equitably and responsibly. Applications for this transformative program close on June 16, 2026.

Understanding the BASE Fellowship Program

The BASE Fellowship is a 13-week program scheduled to run from September to December 2026. It is specifically designed to cultivate Black talent in areas of AI that are rapidly shaping technology and society. The fellowship focuses on three core pillars: AI Safety, AI Governance, and AI Security. Through structured mentorship, collaborative learning, and practical research projects, participants will gain the knowledge and experience needed to contribute to the AI safety landscape and global governance discussions. The initiative is crucial for ensuring that the Black diaspora is an active participant in the development and regulation of advanced AI, rather than being excluded from these important conversations.

The Mission of Black in AI Safety and Ethics (BASE)

Black in AI Safety and Ethics (BASE) was founded with the goal of building a connected and informed community of Black individuals within the AI safety, governance, and security sectors. The organization’s core mission involves several key objectives. These include increasing Black representation in AI leadership roles, providing support for Black researchers and practitioners, and promoting the development of ethical and equitable AI systems. BASE also aims to build a global network of Black AI experts and to prevent the marginalization of Black communities as artificial intelligence becomes more pervasive. Ultimately, the organization strives to ensure fairness, accountability, and collective well-being in the design and deployment of future AI systems. As AI continues to influence economies, governance, and daily life, BASE is dedicated to ensuring that Black voices are influential in shaping AI policy and technological progress.

What Fellows Can Expect to Gain

The BASE Fellowship offers a wealth of professional and academic advantages to its selected participants. Fellows will benefit from structured mentorship provided by experienced professionals and researchers in AI safety, governance, and security. This guidance helps participants refine their research skills, develop expertise in technical and policy areas, navigate career paths in AI, and build lasting professional connections.

Participants will also gain valuable hands-on research experience by working on real projects aligned with their chosen track and mentor’s expertise. This practical experience covers areas such as AI risk analysis, AI governance frameworks, AI safety methodologies, policy development, security considerations for advanced AI, and responsible AI deployment.

Furthermore, the fellowship provides foundational training in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Training may encompass topics like AI alignment, AI ethics, frontier AI risks, AI policy and regulation, AI governance structures, technical safety research, and the development of human-centered AI systems.

Finally, the program fosters networking and community building, allowing participants to join an international network of Black researchers, professionals, and AI leaders. This community offers opportunities for future collaborations, career advancement, peer support, research partnerships, and knowledge exchange. The program also focuses on leadership development, helping participants strengthen their capacity to lead in technical, interdisciplinary, and policy-focused AI spaces, encouraging them to become influential figures in the global AI landscape.

Program Structure and Timeline

The BASE Fellowship Fall 2026 is designed as a flexible, part-time program to accommodate participants’ existing academic and professional commitments. The fellowship spans a duration of 13 weeks, taking place from September 2026 through December 2026. The program format is fully remote, allowing for part-time participation from anywhere in the world. Participants are expected to communicate their weekly availability and outline how they plan to balance the fellowship with their current responsibilities.

The BASE Fellowship Selection Process

The selection process for the BASE Fellowship is designed to be thorough, involving multiple stages to ensure appropriate matching of applicants with mentors and research tracks. The initial phase involves a comprehensive application review, where candidates submit their resumes or CVs, educational background, work experience, research interests, motivation statements, and details about professional achievements, track selection, and leadership experiences.

Applicants who successfully pass the initial review move on to a pre-screening assessment. This stage includes a coding test for technical tracks or a work test for non-technical tracks, evaluating the candidate’s readiness for their chosen pathway. Candidates who pass the pre-screening then apply to specific mentor-led projects that align with their selected track. Mentors review these applicants and select mentees based on compatibility, expertise, and research interests. Finally, the BASE team issues the final fellowship offers after the mentor selection process is complete.

Eligibility Requirements for Applicants

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 information about their educational background, current employer or affiliation, research interests, technical or policy expertise, leadership and project experiences, and time availability. Their place of residence is also a required detail. Optional profile information, such as LinkedIn, Google Scholar, ORCID ID, GitHub, or a personal website, may also be submitted to provide a more complete picture of the applicant’s profile.

Who Should Consider Applying?

The BASE Fellowship is an ideal opportunity for a diverse range of individuals. It is particularly suited for Black researchers working in AI-related fields, policy professionals interested in AI governance, and students exploring AI safety research. AI practitioners and technologists, interdisciplinary researchers, and professionals seeking leadership opportunities in ethical AI are also strongly encouraged to apply. The fellowship welcomes applicants from technical, policy, and interdisciplinary backgrounds, recognizing the multifaceted nature of AI development and its societal impact.

The Importance of the BASE Fellowship

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming nearly every aspect of society, from healthcare and education to governance, security, and employment. However, discussions surrounding AI safety and governance often lack adequate representation from Black communities worldwide. The BASE Fellowship directly addresses this gap by creating pathways 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 plays a vital role in building more equitable and inclusive technological futures for everyone.

Application Deadline and How to Apply

The deadline to submit applications for the BASE Fellows Fall 2026 program is June 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM Anywhere on Earth (AOE). Interested applicants are strongly advised to apply early and ensure all required documents are prepared and submitted before the deadline. To apply, candidates must complete the official online application form and submit all necessary materials through the designated portal.

Frequently Asked Questions