Humanitarian AI Research Fellowship 2026 at NetHope
NetHope's Humanitarian AI Research Fellowship 2026 is a remote, part-time opportunity for researchers and practitioners to explore responsible artificial intelligence in humanitarian and development settings.
Overview
The Humanitarian AI Research Fellowship 2026 at NetHope is a part-time, fully remote program that brings together a small international cohort of approximately four to six fellows. Participants conduct independent research within one of two dedicated streams: AI Adoption and Governance, or AI Systems and Localization. The fellowship runs from mid-November 2026 through February 2027 and provides a weekly time commitment of around 10 hours.
Fellows receive guidance from the AI Fellowship Lead and periodic engagement with NetHope subject-matter experts. Additionally, participants receive a stipend, named authorship on published research, and the opportunity to generate practical findings for humanitarian and nonprofit organizations.
Eligibility
- Open internationally to mid-career to seasoned practitioners, researchers, and technical experts.
- Candidates for Stream 1 (AI Adoption & Governance) should have backgrounds in policy, program evaluation, humanitarian systems, international development, nonprofit operations, or organizational change.
- Candidates for Stream 2 (AI Systems & Localization) should possess expertise in computer science, machine learning, applied data science, AI evaluation, or data analysis.
- All selected fellows must successfully pass an OFAC screening prior to starting the fellowship.
How to Apply
Applicants must prepare and submit several application components:
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting relevant professional, research, technical, or humanitarian experience.
- A letter of interest addressing applicant motivation, a significant risk of AI in humanitarian work with a proposed mitigation, and an evaluation of a real-world AI tool used in a project.
- Two to three professional references.
- An optional writing sample to demonstrate analytical and communication abilities.
To submit your application or check for further details, visit the official NetHope platform.
Deadline
Applications close on October 9, 2026. Because NetHope may review submissions and select fellows ahead of the closing date, early submission is strongly encouraged.