Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The Imperial AI Policy Fellowship is a bespoke learning and development programme designed specifically for senior civil and public servants who need to engage with artificial intelligence policy. Running from February to October 2027, this 9-month fellowship combines theoretical learning with practical application through an individual research project.
The programme is hosted by Imperial College London, one of the world’s top-ranked universities for science, technology, and medicine. Fellows gain direct access to cutting-edge AI research and researchers, including opportunities to visit the Sir Michael Uren Hub and Imperial’s Deep Tech White City campus.
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Programme Structure
The fellowship has two core components:
In-Person Learning Days
Fellows attend four in-person days at Imperial College London throughout the year. These sessions include:
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- Expert-led lectures on AI fundamentals, including large language models, training data, and agentic AI
- Workshops with Imperial’s AI startups at the Deep Tech White City campus
- Discussions with scientists leading cutting-edge research
- Peer exchange and networking with fellow civil servants
Individual Research Project
Each Fellow develops a research project or guiding question shaped by their own policy priorities. Projects are supported by one or more academic mentors from Imperial. Examples of past projects include:
- Piloting an AI model for the Food Standards Agency to help organisations identify regulations for new food products
- Co-written paper between MHRA and NHS on accountability gaps in clinical negligence and AI in healthcare
- Collaborative workshop on human-centred AI design between the Home Office and Imperial’s Collective Innovation Lab
- Sovereign AI in Defence – a paper co-written by Imperial academics with the UK Ministry of Defence
Project types can include written recommendations for AI adoption, co-designing strategic solutions, piloting experimental applications, improving data infrastructure, facilitated workshops for colleagues, or published white papers.
Key Details
| Dates | February – October 2027 |
| Duration | 9 months |
| Time commitment | 6–8 hours per month, plus 4 in-person days |
| Location | London and online |
| Fee | £1,500 (no VAT) |
Who Should Apply
This fellowship is designed for senior civil and public servants. The programme is tailored for those working at the forefront of AI-enabled transformation in government departments and public sector organisations.
For African applicants from Zimbabwe and the SADC region: while the programme is UK-based and primarily serves UK civil servants, senior public officials from Commonwealth countries with relevant policy responsibilities may find value in exploring whether their government departments would support participation. The fee of £1,500 would need to be covered by the employing department or organisation.
Application Process
Applications for 2027 are currently open. The deadline is strict and late applications will not be considered.
- Download the application form from the Imperial Policy Forum website
- Complete all required sections, including your proposed research project area
- Submit the completed form to the.forum@imperial.ac.uk
- Await confirmation of receipt and further communication regarding selection
The programme brochure is also available for download to help inform your application.
Benefits for Fellows
- Tailored learning: Personalised programme addressing your specific policy needs and interests
- Practical application: Direct application of learning through mentored research projects
- World-class expertise: Access to Imperial’s globally renowned faculty across engineering, medicine, and science
- Networking: Collaboration with senior civil service peers and building of trusted networks
- Public sector focus: Curriculum co-designed with civil servants for relevant, practical insights
Testimonials
“The AI Policy Fellowship was a genuinely unique opportunity to engage with, and build trusted networks across, a cohort of senior Government colleagues grappling with the disruptive technology of our time. The project work was particularly valuable…I would thoroughly recommend the AI Policy Fellowship to leaders working at the forefront of AI-enabled transformation.” — Hugh Woodward, Head of HQ and Strategy, Defence AI Centre, Ministry of Defence
“The fellowship was a really welcome opportunity to delve into the science that underpins AI and ground policy development in a deeper understanding of what the technology is capable of. It felt very hands-on and relevant.” — Rachel Kempsell, Cabinet Office
Important Considerations
This is not a traditional scholarship with full funding. The £1,500 fee must be paid, and fellows must secure release time from their employing organisation for both the monthly commitment and the four in-person days in London. Travel and accommodation costs for London visits are additional and not covered by the fee.
The programme does not lead to an academic qualification. It is a professional development fellowship designed to enhance policy capability rather than confer a degree.
Official scholarship page: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/the-forum/courses-for-policymakers/fellowships/
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
