The BASE Fellows Fall 2026 programme is now accepting applications from Black researchers, professionals, students, and practitioners interested in advancing their expertise in AI Safety, AI Governance, and AI Security. Designed as a fully remote and part-time fellowship, the programme offers a unique opportunity for members of the Black diaspora to gain hands-on research experience, expert mentorship, and foundational training in some of the world’s most important and rapidly evolving fields in artificial intelligence.

Organised by Black in AI Safety and Ethics, the fellowship seeks to increase Black representation and leadership within the global AI ecosystem while ensuring that future AI systems are safe, equitable, accountable, and human-centered.

Applications for the BASE Fellows Fall 2026 programme close on 16 June 2026 at 11:59 PM Anywhere on Earth (AOE).

About the BASE Fellowship Fall 2026

The BASE Fellowship is a 13-week remote programme running from September 2026 through December 2026. The initiative is specifically designed to support and develop Black talent in critical AI-related fields that are shaping the future of technology and society.

The programme focuses on three major areas:

1. AI Safety
2. AI Governance
3. AI Security

Through structured mentorship, collaborative learning, and practical research projects, fellows gain the knowledge and experience necessary to contribute meaningfully to the AI safety ecosystem and emerging governance discussions worldwide.

The fellowship aims to ensure that the Black diaspora remains actively involved in shaping the development and regulation of advanced AI systems rather than being excluded from these transformative conversations.

Mission of Black in AI Safety and Ethics (BASE)

Black in AI Safety and Ethics was established to create a connected and informed Black community within the fields of AI safety, governance, and security.

The organisation’s mission includes:

• Increasing Black representation in AI leadership
• Supporting Black researchers and practitioners
• Promoting ethical and equitable AI systems
• Building a global network of Black AI experts
• Preventing the marginalisation of Black communities in the age of artificial intelligence
• Ensuring fairness, accountability, and collective well-being in future AI systems

As artificial intelligence increasingly influences economies, governance, communication, employment, and public life, BASE seeks to guarantee that Black voices remain influential in shaping AI policy and technological development.

What Fellows Will Gain from the Programme

The BASE Fellowship offers substantial professional and academic benefits for selected participants.

1. Structured Expert Mentorship

Participants receive direct mentorship from experienced professionals and researchers working in AI safety, governance, and security.

This mentorship helps fellows:

• Refine research skills
• Develop technical and policy expertise
• Navigate career opportunities in AI
• Build long-term professional relationships

2. Hands-On Research Experience

Fellows work on real research projects aligned with their selected track and mentor expertise.

Participants gain practical experience in:

• AI risk analysis
• AI governance frameworks
• AI safety methodologies
• Policy development
• Security considerations for advanced AI systems
• Responsible AI deployment

3. Foundational Training in AI Safety Ecosystems

The fellowship equips fellows with critical foundational knowledge about the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Training areas may include:

• AI alignment
• AI ethics
• Frontier AI risks
• AI policy and regulation
• AI governance structures
• Technical safety research
• Human-centered AI systems

4. Networking and Community Building

Participants join a growing international network of Black researchers, professionals, and AI leaders.

This community provides opportunities for:

• Future collaborations
• Career advancement
• Peer support
• Research partnerships
• Knowledge exchange

5. Leadership Development

The programme helps participants strengthen their leadership capacity in technical, interdisciplinary, and policy-focused AI spaces.

Fellows are encouraged to become future leaders capable of influencing the direction of AI development and governance globally.

Programme Structure and Timeline

The BASE Fellowship Fall 2026 is structured as a flexible part-time programme to accommodate participants’ academic and professional responsibilities.

Duration

• 13 weeks

Programme Period

• September 2026 to December 2026

Format

• Fully remote
• Part-time participation

Participants are expected to communicate their weekly availability and explain how they intend to balance the fellowship with existing commitments.

BASE Fellowship Selection Process

The fellowship selection process occurs in multiple stages to ensure that applicants are matched appropriately with mentors and research tracks.

Phase 1: Initial Application Review

Applicants first submit a comprehensive application including:

• Resume/CV
• Educational background
• Work experience
• Research interests
• Motivation statement
• Professional achievements
• Track selection
• Research and leadership experiences

Phase 2: Pre-Screening Assessment

Applicants who pass the initial review will receive:

• A coding test for technical tracks, or
• A work test for non-technical tracks

This stage evaluates the candidate’s readiness for the selected fellowship pathway.

Phase 3: Mentor Project Matching

Candidates who successfully pass the pre-screening stage will then apply to mentor-led projects aligned with their selected track.

Mentors review applicants and choose mentees based on compatibility, expertise, and research interests.

Phase 4: Final Offers

Final fellowship offers are issued directly by the BASE team after mentor selection is completed.

Eligibility Requirements

The fellowship is open to members of the Black/African diaspora interested in AI safety, governance, and security.

Applicants are expected to provide information regarding:

• Educational background
• Current employer or affiliation
• Research interests
• Technical or policy expertise
• Leadership and project experiences
• Time availability
• Place of residence

Optional profile information may also include:

• LinkedIn
• Google Scholar
• ORCID ID
• GitHub
• Personal website

Who Should Apply?

The BASE Fellowship is ideal for:

• Black researchers in AI-related fields
• Policy professionals interested in AI governance
• Students exploring AI safety research
• AI practitioners and technologists
• Interdisciplinary researchers
• Professionals seeking leadership opportunities in ethical AI

The fellowship welcomes applicants from technical, policy, and interdisciplinary backgrounds.

Why the BASE Fellowship Matters

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming every sector of society, from healthcare and education to governance, security, and employment. However, conversations around AI safety and governance often lack sufficient representation from Black communities globally.

The BASE Fellowship seeks to address this gap by creating pathways for Black professionals and researchers to participate actively in shaping the future of AI systems.

By supporting Black leadership in AI governance and safety, the programme contributes to building more equitable and inclusive technological futures.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the BASE Fellows Fall 2026 programme is:

16 June 2026 at 11:59 PM Anywhere on Earth (AOE)

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early and prepare all required documents before submission.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the official online application form and submit all required materials before the deadline.

Official Fellowship Page: BASE Fellows Fall 2026

Application Portal: Apply for the BASE Fellowship 2026

Final Thoughts

The BASE Fellows Fall 2026 programme represents a major opportunity for Black professionals, researchers, and students seeking to shape the future of artificial intelligence in ethical, safe, and equitable ways.

With expert mentorship, hands-on research opportunities, and a growing global community, the fellowship helps participants position themselves at the forefront of AI safety, governance, and security discussions worldwide.

As AI technologies continue to influence humanity’s future, initiatives like the BASE Fellowship are essential for ensuring inclusive leadership and diverse representation within the global AI ecosystem.

Apply here  

 

Learn More

• For more information about this opportunity, Click here

• More global Fellowship opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here