University of Chicago Summer Research Fellowship 2026 | $10,000 Fully Funded AI Safety & Nuclear Security Research Program
University of Chicago Summer Research Fellowship 2026 | $10,000 Fully Funded AI Safety & Nuclear Security Research Program. Applications are now open for the University of Chicago Summer Research Fellowship (SRF) 2026, a prestigious 10-week fully funded research fellowship for students and early-career researchers interested in AI safety, AI governance, AI security, nuclear security, and emerging global risks.
Hosted by the Existential Risk Laboratory (XLab) at the University of Chicago, this highly competitive fellowship provides participants with the opportunity to develop their own independent research projects while working alongside leading researchers and policy experts. Fellows receive a $10,000 stipend, free university accommodation, a full meal plan, research mentorship, and access to cutting-edge research resources.
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About the University of Chicago Summer Research Fellowship
The Summer Research Fellowship (SRF) is organized by the Existential Risk Laboratory (XLab) at the University of Chicago. The programme is designed to help talented students and emerging researchers build independent research careers in some of the world’s most important and rapidly evolving fields.
Unlike traditional research assistantships, participants design and lead their own research projects with guidance from experienced mentors. Fellows are encouraged to explore overlooked but highly consequential questions in AI safety, AI governance, AI security, nuclear security, and related policy areas.
Fellowship Summary
Host Institution: University of Chicago
Programme: Summer Research Fellowship (SRF)
Host Laboratory: Existential Risk Laboratory (XLab)
Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Programme Duration: 10 Weeks
Programme Dates:
June 15 – August 22, 2026
Application Deadline:
March 15, 2026 (11:59 PM in your local time zone)
Application Portal: Remains open until March 18, 2026
Programme Format: In-person
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows receive an outstanding funding package that includes:
$10,000 Stipend
Each fellow receives a $10,000 stipend for the duration of the programme.
Free Accommodation
University of Chicago dormitory housing throughout the fellowship.
Full Meal Plan
A complete dining hall meal plan plus additional weekday lunch funding.
AI Compute Support
Technical fellows receive approximately $4,000 in computing and API credits to support their research projects.
Expert Mentorship
Participants receive:
- Regular one-on-one mentoring
- Guidance from experienced researchers
- Assistance identifying expert advisors in their research field
Dedicated Workspace
Access to collaborative coworking space on the University of Chicago campus.
Professional Development
The fellowship includes workshops covering:
- Research methodology
- Forecasting
- Open-source intelligence
- Research design
- Policy analysis
- Career development
Networking Opportunities
University of Chicago Summer Research Fellowship 2026 | $10,000 Fully Funded AI Safety & Nuclear Security Research Program
Fellows join a cohort of 15–20 researchers, creating opportunities for collaboration, peer learning, and long-term professional connections.
Continued Research Opportunities
Outstanding fellows may continue collaborating with XLab as affiliate researchers after the programme concludes.
Research Areas
The fellowship welcomes projects related to:
- Artificial Intelligence Safety
- AI Governance
- AI Security
- Frontier AI
- AI Policy
- Nuclear Security
- Nuclear Risk
- Strategic Stability
- Great Power Competition
- Cybersecurity
- Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT)
- Forecasting
- Scenario Analysis
- Strategic Net Assessment
- National Security
- Emerging Technologies
Applicants are also encouraged to explore interdisciplinary research connecting AI and nuclear security.
Who Should Apply?
University of Chicago Summer Research Fellowship 2026 | $10,000 Fully Funded AI Safety & Nuclear Security Research Program
The programme is designed for:
- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- Early-career researchers
- Independent researchers
- Individuals pursuing careers in AI safety or nuclear security
Ideal applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong interest in AI safety, security, governance, or nuclear security
- Familiarity with current research challenges
- Ability to work independently
- Motivation to develop original research ideas
Technical applicants are encouraged to have completed ARENA or similar AI safety training, although no formal technical background is required for all projects.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should:
- Have demonstrated commitment to AI safety or nuclear security.
- Be capable of conducting independent research.
- Be available full-time during the fellowship.
- Make the fellowship their primary commitment during the programme.
Work Authorization Requirement
University of Chicago Summer Research Fellowship 2026 | $10,000 Fully Funded AI Safety & Nuclear Security Research Program
Due to programme regulations, applicants must have U.S. work authorization, including:
- U.S. citizens
- Permanent residents
- International students currently studying in the United States (typically on an active F-1 visa)
The programme does not sponsor visas.
Programme Expectations
Each fellow will:
- Identify an original research question.
- Develop an independent research agenda.
- Justify the importance of the topic.
- Select appropriate research methods.
- Produce a substantial research output such as:
- Journal article
- Workshop paper
- White paper
- Equivalent research publication
The fellowship emphasizes independent thinking rather than assisting on existing research projects.
Career Outcomes
University of Chicago Summer Research Fellowship 2026 | $10,000 Fully Funded AI Safety & Nuclear Security Research Program
Since 2022, the programme has supported more than 60 alumni, many of whom have gone on to positions at leading organizations, including:
- OpenAI
- Google DeepMind
- RAND
- Federation of American Scientists
- SecureBio
- Institute for Progress
- MILA
- U.S. Congressional offices
- Intelligence community
- Top PhD programmes
This demonstrates the fellowship’s strong reputation within AI safety and policy communities.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Prepare their research idea.
- Complete the online application.
- Submit all required information before March 15, 2026.
- Keep the application concise—programme organizers recommend spending no more than three hours on the application.
Applicants with existing research proposals may complete the application in approximately 30 minutes.
Why You Should Apply
The University of Chicago Summer Research Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to work on some of the world’s most pressing technological and security challenges while receiving generous financial support and mentorship.
Whether you aspire to influence AI governance, improve nuclear security, or contribute to global policy discussions, this fellowship provides the resources, community, and research environment needed to launch an impactful career.
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Disclaimer
Vacancy Bridge is an independent platform that shares verified scholarships, fellowships, internships, grants, jobs, and educational opportunities. We are not the fellowship provider. Applicants should submit their applications through the official University of Chicago XLab application portal.
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