MATS Residency Winter 2027: Fully Funded AI Safety Research Opportunity for Talented Researchers Worldwide
The MATS Residency Winter 2027 invites global talent to pursue ambitious research and safety-relevant projects aimed at reducing catastrophic risks from advanced artificial intelligence. Participants can choose between hybrid office locations in London, Berkeley, and Washington, DC, with international visa support provided.
Overview
The MATS Residency Winter 2027 is a structured research program designed to support individuals working on crucial questions surrounding AI alignment, safety, governance, evaluations, assurance, and advanced AI systems. Rather than relying heavily on conventional academic credentials, the program evaluates applicants based on the quality, seriousness, and potential impact of their work.
Participants may select a preferred office location among London, Berkeley, and Washington, DC, and are required to spend at least one-third of their residency working in person. The program is internationally accessible and provides visa support for participants needing to relocate.
Eligibility
The residency is open internationally to applicants from diverse professional and academic backgrounds worldwide. You do not need to possess a PhD, a master's degree in AI safety, a formal "researcher" job title, an extensive publication record, or previous professional AI safety experience.
Suitable applicants include:
- Researchers, academics, and independent investigators
- Technical professionals and machine-learning specialists
- Policy researchers, analysts, and governance specialists
- Entrepreneurs and project founders applying via the Incubation track
- Individuals transitioning from other fields with strong transferable analytical, technical, or policy skills
Benefits
Selected participants join a structured research environment aimed at tackling open-ended problems in AI safety. Benefits include:
- Dedicated time and support to pursue advanced AI safety research or safety-relevant projects
- Access to international office spaces in London, Berkeley, and Washington, DC
- Visa support for successful international applicants who need to relocate
- Engagement with an established AI safety research community, advisors, and potential collaborators
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their materials through the online application system before the window closes. Preparing a competitive application requires several components:
- Short Profile & CV: Basic contact details, background information, and a CV of no longer than two pages.
- Track Choice: Selection of the most appropriate pathway (Bridge, Anchor, or Incubation) with a brief explanatory statement.
- References: Two references who can directly speak to the quality of your work.
- Representative Work Sample: One work sample demonstrating your strongest or most relevant research output, technical report, or project.
- Written Responses: Short written answers and a brief counterfactual question addressing your motivation and planned trajectory.
Deadline
The application window for the Winter 2027 intake closes on 31 October 2026, Anywhere on Earth (AoE).