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AIxBio Fellowship 2027: AI & Biosecurity Research Programme at Cambridge

The AIxBio Fellowship 2027 is a 10-week fully funded research programme at the University of Cambridge for researchers and entrepreneurs working at the intersection of advanced AI and biosecurity. Fellows receive £10,000, accommodation support, meals, visa assistance, and mentorship while conducting projects to mitigate catastrophic biological risks.

October 5, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Oct 19, 2026

Quick Overview

Host CountryUnited Kingdom
University/OrgUniversity of Cambridge
Degree LevelShort Course
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyArtificial Intelligence, Biology, Biosecurity, Machine Learning, Policy
DeadlineOctober 19, 2026

Scholarship Overview

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Overview

The AIxBio Fellowship 2027 is an intensive, fully funded 10-week programme hosted at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. Running from 18 January to 26 March 2027, this fellowship brings together researchers and entrepreneurs focused on critical problems where advanced artificial intelligence intersects with biosecurity.

The programme is designed for individuals who want to take ownership of concrete biosecurity challenges. Fellows design and execute research projects aimed at mitigating catastrophic biological risks in an era of rapidly advancing AI capabilities. For the Winter 2027 cohort, approximately 15 fellows will be accepted across three distinct tracks.

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Programme Structure and Tracks

The fellowship offers three participation tracks tailored to different career stages and objectives:

  • Research Track: For individuals designing and executing independent research projects on AI-biosecurity topics
  • Placement Track: For those seeking embedded research positions within established biosecurity organisations
  • Founding Track: For entrepreneurs developing new ventures at the AI-biosecurity intersection

All tracks share the same core dates and location, with fellows working collaboratively across track boundaries.

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Funding and Support

The AIxBio Fellowship provides comprehensive financial and logistical support:

  • Stipend: £10,000 for the 10-week period
  • Meals: Provided during work hours
  • Visa and travel support: Assistance with visa applications and travel costs to Cambridge
  • Research support: Dedicated research manager and mentor pairing
  • Community access: Integration into a collaborative network of researchers in the field

This funding structure is particularly valuable for African applicants, as the visa and travel support removes significant barriers to accessing UK-based research opportunities.

Eligibility Requirements

The fellowship maintains inclusive eligibility criteria:

  • Age: Applicants must be 18 years or older
  • Background: Open to individuals from diverse academic and professional backgrounds
  • Career stage: Welcomes early-career researchers, mid-career professionals, and entrepreneurs
  • Field alignment: Suitable for those with backgrounds in AI/ML, biology, biosecurity policy, or related disciplines
  • Research experience: Prior formal research experience is not required

The programme explicitly seeks individuals passionate about reducing extreme biological risks who are energised by taking ownership of concrete problems. This makes it accessible to self-taught practitioners and career-changers from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, not only those with traditional academic credentials.

Application Process

Applications for the AIxBio Fellowship 2027 are currently open. The deadline is strict and non-negotiable.

Deadline: Monday, 19 October 2026, 23:59 UTC

To apply, candidates should visit the official AIxBio Fellowship website and complete the online application. The research indicates a direct application link is available through their portal.

Why This Matters for African Researchers

For applicants from Zimbabwe and the broader SADC region, this fellowship offers several distinctive advantages:

  • No tuition fees: Unlike traditional UK postgraduate programmes, this is a funded research position
  • Visa support included: Overcomes a major barrier for African applicants to UK opportunities
  • No research experience required: Accessible to talented individuals outside formal academic tracks
  • High-impact field: AI and biosecurity are priority areas with growing policy attention globally
  • Network building: Cambridge affiliation and researcher community access for future opportunities

The fellowship’s emphasis on “taking ownership of concrete problems” aligns well with the problem-solving orientation many African researchers develop in resource-constrained environments.

Key Dates Summary

  • Application deadline: 19 October 2026
  • Programme dates: 18 January – 26 March 2027
  • Duration: 10 weeks
  • Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
  • Cohort size: Approximately 15 fellows

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

Funding Coverage

£10,000 stipend; meals during work hours; visa and travel support; dedicated research manager and mentor pairing; access to collaborative research community

Eligibility Criteria

Aged 18+; diverse backgrounds and career stages welcome; backgrounds in AI/ML, biology, policy, or related fields; passion for reducing extreme biological risks; prior formal research experience not required

Required Documents

Not specified in available research

Application Process

Complete online application through official AIxBio Fellowship website before deadline
Apply Now — Official Website

You will be redirected to the official scholarship application page.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. The AIxBio Fellowship explicitly states that prior formal research experience is not required. The programme welcomes applicants from diverse career stages, including those without traditional academic credentials, provided you can demonstrate passion for reducing extreme biological risks and ability to take ownership of concrete problems.
Yes. The fellowship includes visa and travel support as part of its funding package. This is specifically designed to remove barriers for international applicants, including those from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, who might otherwise face significant costs accessing UK-based opportunities.
The deadline is Monday, 19 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC. For applicants in Zimbabwe (CAT, UTC+2), this corresponds to 01:59 on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. For South Africa (SAST, UTC+2), the same conversion applies. Submit well before this time to avoid technical issues.
Choose Research if you want to design your own independent project; Placement if you prefer embedded research within an established organisation; Founding if you are developing a new venture. All tracks receive identical funding and dates. Select based on your career goals and project readiness.
The available research does not specify required documents. Visit the official AIxBio Fellowship website for detailed application requirements. Typically, fellowships of this nature require a CV, project proposal or statement of interest, and references, but confirm directly with the programme.
Selection odds depend on application volume, which is not published. The small cohort size suggests competitive selection, but the inclusive eligibility criteria and three-track structure may improve chances for well-aligned applicants. Focus on demonstrating concrete problem-solving ability, clear motivation for AI-biosecurity work, and fit with the fellowship's emphasis on ownership and execution.