The AIxBio Fellowship supports researchers, engineers and founders tackling important problems at the intersection of advanced AI and biosecurity. ERA runs the programme with the Cambridge Biosecurity Hub in Cambridge, United Kingdom. The winter cohort is planned for 18 January–26 March 2027, with ten weeks of full-time work.
Selected fellows receive a £10,000 total stipend, travel and visa support, expert mentorship and research management. Applications for the Winter 2027 round close on 19 October 2026, so the window is short. Read the funding conditions and apply promptly.
AIxBio Fellowship Details
This is an applied research and project-development programme rather than a university degree scholarship. Fellows work alongside a cohort in ERA’s Cambridge workspace, with projects focused on reducing serious biological risks connected to advances in AI.
The three tracks serve different kinds of work: independent research, a placement with a biosecurity organisation, or testing an idea for a new organisation. The programme page describes around fifteen places, while the FAQ gives an approximate range of ten to fifteen; treat the cohort size as a plan rather than a guaranteed award count.
Organiser | ERA, with Cambridge Biosecurity Hub |
|---|---|
Location | Cambridge, United Kingdom |
Duration | 10 weeks, full-time; 18 January–26 March 2027 |
Tracks | Research, Placement and Founding |
Stipend | £10,000 total; housing is budgeted from the stipend |
Audience | Applicants aged 18+ from a wide range of backgrounds |
Application status | Open; closes 19 October 2026 |
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Funding, Housing and Research Support
The AIxBio Fellowship stipend covers the whole ten-week programme, with a portion intended for housing. Accommodation is neither provided nor guaranteed, so selected participants must find and book somewhere to live with the organiser’s practical guidance.
The official package separately covers travel to and from Cambridge, visa support and meals during working hours. Research expenses and compute may also be supported where appropriate, but applicants should discuss their individual needs with ERA rather than assume unlimited resources.
Eligibility for AIxBio Fellowship
Applicants must be at least 18 by 18 January 2027. Formal research experience is helpful but not required, and the organisers welcome a wide range of subjects, career stages and nationalities.
The main question is whether your skills can contribute to useful biosecurity work. Engineers, biological scientists, policy specialists and founders may all fit, while employed candidates and students should plan how to attend the full-time programme.
Application Materials and Selection
The written form asks about your background, interests and approach to problems in AI and biosecurity. Explain what you know, where uncertainty remains and how you would make progress; the organisers emphasise reasoning quality over polished application language.
Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed, and references can be contacted during assessment. Depending on the track and host, applicants may also complete zero to three work tests; there is no universal document bundle stated for every candidate.
How to Apply for the AIxBio Fellowship
Use the application link on the official programme page and read the current FAQ before submitting. Questions can be sent to biosecurity@erafellowship.org.
Application review is described as rolling until the advertised deadline, so an early complete submission may avoid last-minute issues. If selected, arrange leave from employment or studies and discuss any visa or attendance constraints before accepting.
Application Deadline and Other AI Routes
The official application section says the Winter 2027 round is open and closes on 19 October 2026, and the FAQ says to apply by 19 October. The overview box on the same page still shows an “Opening soon” note, and no closing time or timezone is given, so submit well before the day ends.
For other research paths, compare Google Student Researcher for enrolled students, MBZUAI postgraduate scholarships for degree study, and LawAI Summer Fellowship for AI and legal research. These have separate eligibility rules and should not be treated as interchangeable awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the practical points most likely to affect an application, including the stipend, housing arrangements and formal eligibility.
A stipend or planned cohort size does not guarantee admission or a particular immigration outcome.
Is a PhD required?
No. The organiser does not require a PhD or prior formal research experience. Applicants must be at least eighteen by the programme start and show useful skills and reasoning.
Is accommodation free?
No accommodation is provided or guaranteed. Fellows receive a total stipend that includes a portion for housing, with guidance on finding suitable accommodation.
Can employed applicants participate?
Yes, employed professionals are welcome to apply. Accepted candidates may need to arrange leave to attend the full-time programme.
Can I apply with a research partner?
Selection is based on individual applications. The FAQ says ERA may connect accepted fellows with similar interests for group work.
When is the application deadline?
The Winter 2027 application round closes on 19 October 2026. For questions, email biosecurity@erafellowship.org.
Conclusion
The AIxBio Fellowship offers a focused route into applied AI and biosecurity work, with a £10,000 stipend and tailored research support. Its value depends on a clear project direction and the ability to engage with difficult questions carefully. Choose the track that fits your skills rather than applying only because funding is available.
Apply promptly because the 19 October 2026 deadline is close. Budget for housing and plan the ten-week Cambridge commitment before accepting. Use the official page and FAQ for the final application instructions.
