As global AI development speeds ahead, African voices often get left behind. The Shaping AI from African Contexts Fellowship 2026, also known as the LUNE 3 Fellowship, steps in to change that. This 10-week remote research program in Nigeria targets graduate and doctoral researchers in humanities, social sciences, and AI fields. It helps them build ethical and inclusive AI rooted in African ways of knowing.
This article covers the fellowship details. You will learn about its overview, goals, roles, timeline, curriculum, structure, faculty, outputs, sponsorship, benefits, and how to apply. The program pushes for critical views on AI that fit local realities.
Key Takeaways
- This 10-week remote program in Nigeria targets graduate and doctoral researchers to create ethical AI rooted in African perspectives.
- Four roles—Fellows, Navigators, Facilitators, and Mentors—encourage teamwork across humanities, social sciences, and AI fields.
- Key benefits include critical skills, mentorship, research projects, and a lasting network for global AI influence.
- Applications close on April 20, 2026, with the fellowship starting in late May for hands-on learning and outputs.
About the Shaping AI from African Contexts Fellowship 2026
The LUNE 3 Fellowship stands out as a 10-week program for Nigerian graduate and doctoral researchers. It focuses on how AI links to fields like history, sociology, philosophy, linguistics, and political science. The goal goes beyond basic AI knowledge. It asks participants to question AI through lenses of power, labor, and culture.
Participants build key skills during the program. They gain:
- Critical analytical skills to assess AI systems and their societal impacts
- Foundational technical literacy to understand how AI systems function
- Practice-based research experience grounded in real-world contexts
In the end, the fellowship creates scholar-practitioners. These are people who connect theory to practice and shape AI in African communities and institutions.
Fellowship Objectives
The fellowship’s main mission reshapes AI talk by putting African epistemologies and real-life experiences first. It pushes for work that mixes AI with humanities and social sciences. Here are the four key objectives:
- Encouraging interdisciplinary research that integrates AI with humanities and social sciences
- Supporting locally grounded yet globally relevant scholarship
- Building a community of researchers engaged in AI critique and development
- Expanding access to AI research opportunities in low-resource academic settings
The program also builds a long-term network of researchers. This group keeps working together on global AI governance and other topics after the fellowship ends.
Fellowship Roles and Participation Tracks
The program welcomes people with different skills through four roles. These roles spark teamwork across fields. Fellows bring social insights, while others add tech or guidance.
1. Fellows
Fellows come from humanities or social sciences. They share deep knowledge in their areas and team up with tech experts for strong research.
2. Navigators
Navigators know AI, computer science, or similar fields. They help fellows with tech details and learn social views in return. This setup creates a mutual exchange of knowledge.
3. Facilitators
Facilitators are pros who run 90-minute sessions. Topics cover digital humanities, AI systems, and ethics in AI governance. They spark deep talks and clearer understanding.
4. Mentors
Mentors give one-on-one help, spending 2-4 hours a month per fellow. They guide research to meet global standards and produce top outputs.
| Role | Background Required | Key Responsibilities | Time Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fellows | Humanities/social sciences | Bring domain knowledge, collaborate on research | Full 10 weeks |
| Navigators | AI/computer science/technical | Provide tech support, gain social insights | Full 10 weeks |
| Facilitators | Experienced researchers/professionals | Lead 90-min sessions on key topics | At least one session |
| Mentors | Global-standard research experience | Personalized guidance for projects | 2-4 hours/month |
Fellowship Timeline
The 2026 schedule keeps things tight and focused for a full dive into the work. Key dates include:
- April 20, 2026: Application Deadline
- Mid to Late May 2026: Finalists Announced
- Late May to Early June 2026: Fellowship Begins
- Late July to Early August 2026: Final Presentations and Closing
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | April 20, 2026 |
| Finalists Announced | Mid to Late May 2026 |
| Fellowship Begins | Late May to Early June 2026 |
| Final Presentations | Late July to Early August 2026 |
This setup fits busy schedules while building real skills.
Program Curriculum and Learning Modules
The curriculum mixes theory with hands-on work. It starts strong and builds depth over time.
Module 0: Introduction to AI, Humanities, and Social Sciences
This first module sets the stage. Focus areas include:
- Understanding AI as a socio-technical system
- Exploring how power, labor, and culture shape AI technologies
- Examining dominant narratives versus critical Global South perspectives
- Mapping individual research interests to AI-related questions
Participants also think about their positionality for better research. Later modules (1-3) and workshops dive into tools, methods, and group problem-solving. They stress digital humanities and more.
Program Structure
The fellowship runs online, so anyone in Nigeria can join. Data stipends help cover internet costs for all.
Key parts include:
Weekly Classes
90-minute sessions led by faculty on AI topics.
Targeted Mentoring
Close work with mentors to sharpen ideas.
Collaborative Assignments
Group tasks that build peer skills across fields.
Exploratory Projects
Personal research projects with full support.
These steps foster teamwork and real learning.
Faculty and Mentorship Network
Faculty bring wide skills to guide everyone. They cover:
- AI governance
- Computational linguistics
- Political communication and emerging media
- Ethnographic research
- Digital humanities
- AI policy and law
This mix offers balanced views and strong support.
Research Outputs and Resources
Fellows add to African views on AI. Past work from the LUNE TWO fellowship includes research collections by fellows and navigators.
These outputs act as guides for new participants and shape bigger talks on AI.
They show lasting impact.
Sponsorship and Support
Groups focused on African AI research and policy back the program. This funding covers top training, mentors, and tools.
Why You Should Apply
This fellowship opens doors. Benefits include:
- Gain interdisciplinary expertise at the intersection of AI and social sciences
- Work with leading researchers and practitioners
- Develop a research project with real-world impact
- Join a network of scholars influencing global AI debates
You become a scholar-practitioner ready to lead.
How to Apply
Pick the role that fits you. Apply here:
Show your passion for AI in African contexts. Highlight your field links.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Review roles and pick one |
| 2 | Gather your background info and research ideas |
| 3 | Fill the form by April 20, 2026 |
| 4 | Prepare for strong answers on AI interests |
Act now to join.
The Shaping AI from African Contexts Fellowship 2026 offers Nigerian graduate and doctoral researchers a chance to blend AI with humanities and social sciences for ethical, inclusive tech. By joining as a fellow, navigator, facilitator, or mentor, you can build skills, networks, and real-world impact. Apply by April 20, 2026, to help shape AI that reflects African realities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Shaping AI from African Contexts Fellowship 2026?
It’s a 10-week remote program called LUNÉ 3 that helps Nigerian researchers blend AI with humanities and social sciences for inclusive tech.
Who can participate and in what roles?
Graduate and doctoral students from humanities, social sciences, or AI can apply as Fellows or Navigators; experienced pros can join as Facilitators or Mentors.
What is the timeline for the fellowship?
Applications due April 20, 2026; finalists announced mid to late May; program runs late May to early August.
How do I apply?
Pick your role, fill the specific online form linked in the announcement, and submit by April 20, 2026, with your background and AI interests.
Conversation
0 Comments