Imagine a world where advanced AI systems help humanity without causing harm. That’s the goal of AI safety research, and now there’s a chance to join it. The CBAI Summer Research Fellowship in AI Safety 2026 offers talented people a fully-funded path to make a real difference.
This nine-week program runs from June 8 to August 10 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Hosted by the Cambridge Boston Alignment Initiative, it brings together researchers to tackle big risks from powerful AI. Fellows get hands-on experience in key areas like interpretability and governance.
Program Details
The fellowship focuses on advancing careers in AI safety. Participants work with top mentors from places like MIT, Harvard, and Northeastern. They also join weekly workshops, speaker events, and networking in a lively community.
Past fellows have landed jobs at groups like Goodfire and Redwood. Some started their own research teams, got papers into top conferences like NeurIPS and ICLR, and even briefed policymakers in Washington, DC. This program opens doors in the fast-growing field of safe AI.
The deadline to apply is April 12, 2026. Spots are limited, so early applications help.
Research Tracks
Fellows choose from four main tracks to match their interests. Each one targets ways to make AI safer and more reliable.
Technical AI Safety
This track deals with core risks from advanced AI. Researchers study alignment, which means making AI goals match human values. They also explore interpretability to understand AI decisions, robustness against errors, formal verification to prove safety, multi-agent safety for AI systems that interact, and scalable oversight to check complex models.
AI Governance
Here, the focus is on rules and policies for AI. Work includes policy frameworks, regulations, international teamwork, and setups to handle risks from strong AI. It’s about guiding how AI gets built and used worldwide.
Technical Governance
This blends tech and policy. Topics cover compute governance for AI training resources, model evaluations to test safety, standards for safe AI, and groups to ensure benefits outweigh dangers.
Economics of Transformative AI
Researchers look at money and growth effects of AI. They use data and models on productivity, jobs, and markets. Policy ideas touch on industry plans, market power, and politics around AI control.
Fellows pick a track and dive deep with guidance.
Benefits and Support
The program covers everything to let fellows focus on research.
- Stipend: $10,000 for the nine weeks.
- Meals: Free lunches and dinners on weekdays, plus snacks and drinks in the office.
- Housing: Provided for those coming from outside Cambridge.
- Office Space: Open 24/7 in Harvard Square, steps from the metro and Harvard Yard.
- Mentorship: 1-2 hours weekly from experts at MIT, Harvard, Northeastern, Boston University, Institute for Progress, AVERI, RAND, and more. In-house managers help with interpretability, alignment, and policy.
- Networking: Links to labs like Bau Lab at Northeastern, Tegmark Lab at MIT, and Harvard’s AI group. Social events, speakers, and workshops build skills and connections.
- Research Tools: Up to $10,000 in compute like API credits and GPUs. Plus help for conferences.
- Extension Option: Up to six months more funding for strong projects.
These perks create a supportive space for breakthroughs.
Who Can Apply
The fellowship welcomes driven people over 18 committed to AI safety. Top fits include:
- Undergrads, Master’s students, PhDs, and postdocs new to or deepening in AI safety.
- Recent grads switching to technical or policy AI work.
- Anyone passionate about curbing advanced AI risks.
US international students on OPT or CPT qualify. No visa sponsorship available.
No strict background needed, just strong interest and potential.
How to Apply
The process has four clear steps:
- Fill the general application form.
- Do a 15-minute interview with CBAI staff.
- Complete mentor questions, test tasks, or code checks (for technical tracks).
- Interview with your chosen mentor.
For full details, check the official CBAI page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CBAI Summer Research Fellowship?
It’s a nine-week fully funded program from June 8 to August 10, 2026, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where participants work on AI safety research with top mentors.
What benefits do fellows receive?
Fellows get a $10,000 stipend, free meals and housing, 24/7 office space, mentorship, networking events, and up to $10,000 in research tools.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
Anyone over 18 with a strong interest in AI safety can apply, including undergrads, grad students, recent grads, and career switchers—no strict background required.
What is the application deadline and process?
The deadline is April 12, 2026; apply via the online form, followed by a short interview, tasks, and a mentor interview—spots are limited, so apply early.
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