The University of Chicago Existential Risk Laboratory (XLab) is now accepting applications for its Summer Research Fellowship (SRF), an intensive 10-week research programme designed for students and early-career researchers interested in Artificial Intelligence (AI) safety, AI governance, AI security, nuclear security, and the intersection of these critical global challenges.
The fellowship provides participants with funding, expert mentorship, research resources, and a collaborative academic community to develop independent research projects that address some of the world’s most pressing technological and security issues.
About the Fellowship
The Summer Research Fellowship is a full-time, in-person programme hosted at the University of Chicago. Rather than serving as research assistants, fellows are expected to develop and lead their own research agenda under the guidance of experienced mentors.
Participants identify an important research question, design an appropriate methodology, conduct independent research, and produce a substantial final publication such as:
- Research paper
- Journal article
- Policy paper
- Workshop submission
- Technical report
- White paper
The programme encourages innovative thinking and supports research that addresses overlooked but highly consequential questions.
Fellowship Duration
- Programme Length: 10 Weeks
- Programme Dates: June 15 – August 22
- Location: University of Chicago, United States
- Format: Full-time, In-person
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive a comprehensive support package, including:
- $10,000 fellowship stipend
- Fully funded University of Chicago dormitory accommodation
- Full dining hall meal plan
- Weekday lunch funding
- Dedicated campus workspace
- Individual mentorship from domain experts
- Research management support
- Professional workshops
- Networking opportunities
- Access to a collaborative research community
Technical fellows also receive:
- $4,000 in compute and API credits to support AI research projects.
Outstanding fellows may also be invited to continue collaborating with the Existential Risk Laboratory after the programme.
Research Areas
Applicants are encouraged to propose projects in areas such as:
- Artificial Intelligence Safety
- AI Security
- AI Governance
- AI Strategy
- Frontier AI
- Nuclear Security
- Nuclear Non-Proliferation
- Civil Defense
- Strategic Stability
- AI and National Security
- Cybersecurity
- Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT)
- Forecasting
- Scenario Analysis
- Strategic Net Assessment
- AI Policy
- Large Language Models (LLMs)
- Frontier Model Safety
The programme particularly welcomes interdisciplinary research that bridges AI and global security.
What Fellows Will Experience
Participants benefit from:
- Weekly research workshops
- One-on-one mentorship sessions
- Peer review meetings
- Policy discussions
- Research methodology training
- Forecasting workshops
- Open-source intelligence training
- Career development sessions
- Networking with researchers and policy experts
- Social and community events
The fellowship emphasizes independent thinking while providing a highly supportive research environment.
Who Should Apply?
The programme is intended for:
- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- Early-career researchers
- AI researchers
- Policy researchers
- Security researchers
- Technical professionals transitioning into AI safety
- Individuals committed to careers in AI governance or nuclear security
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong interest in AI safety, governance, or nuclear security
- Familiarity with current research and open problems
- Independent thinking and research potential
- Motivation to pursue long-term impact in these fields
Technical applicants are generally expected to have completed ARENA or equivalent foundational AI safety training.
Eligibility
Applicants must have authorization to work in the United States.
Eligible applicants include:
- U.S. citizens
- U.S. permanent residents
- International students currently studying in the United States with valid work authorization (such as F-1 visa holders)
The programme is unable to sponsor visas.
Career Outcomes
Since its launch, Summer Research Fellowship alumni have gone on to positions and further study at organizations including:
- OpenAI
- Google DeepMind
- RAND
- SecureBio
- Federation of American Scientists
- Institute for Progress
- MILA
- U.S. Congressional Offices
- Intelligence community organizations
- Leading PhD programmes
Why Apply?
The University of Chicago Summer Research Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to conduct independent research on some of the most important technological and security challenges facing the world. Fellows receive generous financial support, expert mentorship, access to leading researchers, and the freedom to explore innovative ideas while developing a significant research portfolio that can accelerate future academic and professional opportunities.
Conclusion
The University of Chicago Summer Research Fellowship is an exceptional opportunity for aspiring researchers interested in Artificial Intelligence safety, AI governance, nuclear security, and global risk. With a generous stipend, housing, mentorship, research funding, and a vibrant community of scholars, the programme provides an outstanding platform for developing impactful research and launching a career in one of the world’s fastest-growing and most consequential research fields.
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