Advancing the frontiers of Artificial Intelligence requires more than just raw compute; it demands rigorous safety frameworks and Algorithmic Alignment. The 2026 CBAI Summer Research Fellowship in AI Safety is an elite nine-week intensive hosted in the global tech hub of Cambridge, Massachusetts.
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By providing a $10,000 stipend and direct access to Machine Learning labs at Harvard and MIT, this fellowship empowers researchers to mitigate catastrophic risks and shape the global Governance of transformative AI systems.
SECURE YOUR SPOT IN THE 2026 CBAI AI SAFETY FELLOWSHIP
2026 CBAI Summer Research Fellowship in AI Safety ($10K) – Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | Cambridge Boston Alignment Initiative (CBAI) |
| Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts (Harvard Square) |
| Primary Benefit | $10,000 Stipend + $10,000 Compute Credit |
| Program Type | 9-Week Intensive Research Fellowship |
| Research Tracks | Technical Safety, Governance, Economics, Policy |
| Dates | June 8 – August 10, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | April 12, 2026 |
2026 CBAI Summer Research Fellowship in AI Safety ($10K) – About the Initiative
The CBAI Summer Research Fellowship is a premier launchpad for researchers dedicated to AI alignment and risk management. Based in the vibrant ecosystem of Harvard Square, fellows engage in high-impact research across four specialized tracks: Technical AI Safety, AI Governance, Technical Governance, and the Economics of Transformative AI. The initiative bridges the gap between theoretical Data Science and practical policy, allowing participants to work alongside world-class mentors from the Tegmark Lab (MIT) and the Bau Lab (Northeastern). Past fellows have successfully transitioned into top-tier labs like Goodfire and presented critical safety reports to policymakers in Washington, DC.
2026 CBAI Summer Research Fellowship in AI Safety ($10K) – Program Benefits
The CBAI experience offers an unparalleled suite of resources designed to accelerate technical expertise and professional networking:
- Financial Support: A $10,000 stipend for the nine-week duration, plus up to $10,000 in compute support (API credits & GPUs).
- Elite Mentorship: Weekly 1-on-1 sessions with senior researchers from Harvard, MIT, RAND, and the Institute for Progress.
- Fully Funded Housing: Free accommodation in Cambridge for the entire program duration for non-local participants.
- Premium Workspace: 24/7 access to modern office facilities in Harvard Square, complete with free meals, snacks, and beverages.
- Networking & Exposure: Direct collaboration with frontier research groups and support for presenting findings at global conferences like NeurIPS or ICLR.
- Funding Extension: Eligibility to apply for an extension fellowship providing up to 6 months of additional research funding.
2026 CBAI Summer Research Fellowship in AI Safety ($10K) – Eligibility Requirements
CBAI welcomes a diverse range of applicants committed to the responsible development of AI:
- Academic Level: Open to Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD students, as well as Postdoctoral researchers.
- Career Transitioners: Recent graduates looking to pivot into technical AI safety or governance research are encouraged to apply.
- Technical Skills: For technical tracks, proficiency in Machine Learning, formal verification, or robustness testing is highly valued.
- Age & Legal Status: Participants must be at least 18 years old. While visa sponsorship is not provided, international students in the US on OPT/CPT are eligible.
- Commitment: Applicants must demonstrate a deep passion for addressing risks associated with advanced AI systems.
2026 CBAI Summer Research Fellowship in AI Safety ($10K) – Step-by-Step Application Guide
Phase 1: Track Selection and Document Preparation
- Track Alignment: Choose between Technical Safety, Governance, Technical Governance, or Economics based on your research background.
- CV Optimization: Update your CV to highlight relevant publications, projects in Deep Learning, or policy whitepapers.
Phase 2: Preliminary Application Submission
- General Form: Complete the online application form by the April 12 deadline, detailing your research interests and motivation.
- Portfolio Upload: Submit your GitHub repository, portfolio, or academic writing samples for initial review.
Phase 3: CBAI Technical and Initial Screening
- Initial Interview: Participate in a 15-minute introductory interview with the CBAI team to discuss your fit for the cohort.
- Task Assessment: For technical streams, complete a mentor-specific test task or code screening to verify your implementation skills.
Phase 4: Mentor-Specific Deep Dive
- Specialized Interview: Engagement in a detailed technical or policy-focused interview directly with potential research mentors.
- Research Proposal: Refine your intended research direction based on the feedback received during the interview stage.
Phase 5: Final Selection and Onboarding
- Offer Notification: Successful candidates will receive a fellowship offer including stipend details and housing information.
- Relocation & Start: Onboard for the June 8 start date to begin your nine-week journey in Cambridge, MA.
2026 CBAI Summer Research Fellowship in AI Safety ($10K) – Expert Advice for Applicants
- Highlight “Research Taste”: Mentors look for candidates who can identify promising, neglected research directions in AI Alignment.
- Demonstrate Technical Depth: If applying for the technical track, ensure your code samples show a strong grasp of Model Evaluations or interpretability tools.
- Network Early: Familiarize yourself with the recent publications from the Bau Lab or Tegmark Lab to speak knowledgeably during interviews.
- Policy Nuance: For governance applicants, show an understanding of the intersection between compute governance and international regulatory frameworks.
Application Deadline: April 12, 2026
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2026 CBAI Summer Research Fellowship in AI Safety ($10K) – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the total stipend for the CBAI fellowship? Fellows receive a $10,000 stipend for the nine-week program, in addition to compute credits and covered housing.
Q2: Do I need to be a PhD student to apply? No, the fellowship is open to Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD students, Postdocs, and even recent graduates transitioning into the field.
Q3: Is the housing really free? Yes, CBAI provides and pays for housing for the entire program duration for all fellows coming from outside the Cambridge area.
Q4: Can international students apply? Yes, international students currently in the US on OPT or CPT are welcome. However, CBAI cannot provide direct visa sponsorship.
Q5: What are the primary research tracks? There are four tracks: Technical AI Safety, AI Governance, Technical Governance, and the Economics of Transformative AI.
Q6: Where is the fellowship located? The fellowship is hosted in-person in Harvard Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts, near Harvard and MIT.
Q7: Is there support for compute-heavy research? Yes, each fellow can receive up to $10,000 in compute support, including API credits and on-demand GPU access.
Q8: What is the application deadline for 2026? The deadline for all application materials is April 12, 2026.
Q9: Can I continue my research after the 9 weeks? Yes, CBAI offers an Extension Fellowship program with additional funding for up to 6 months for promising projects.
Q10: Are meals provided during the work week? Yes, free lunches and dinners are provided every weekday at the office, along with beverages and snacks.
