Summer Research Fellowship 2026: Law & AI Regulation (Applications Open)

The Institute for Law & AI (LawAI) is an independent think tank that researches and advises on the legal challenges posed by artificial intelligence. We believe that sound legal analysis will promote security, welfare, and the rule of law. We conduct research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, law, and policy and advise governments, international organizations, public institutions, and private actors. You can review LawAI’s recent publications on our website and learn more about our focus areas in this overview of our Workstreams and Research Directions.

As a Summer Research Fellow, you will work with your mentor to develop and execute a research project tailored to your experience, skills, and interests. Some Summer Research Fellows may focus on a more extended, singular project, such as drafting a report or authoring a law review article, while others might contribute to a range of initiatives, such as conducting legal research that supports various research and advisory projects led by LawAI staff. Summer Research Fellows may also have opportunities to help advise policymakers, government, and private sector organizations.

As a general matter, Summer Research Fellows will have considerable discretion over the form of outputs they pursue (e.g., choosing between publishing a law review article vs a policy brief). Topic selection will be determined in conjunction with your mentor. Projects should generally align with LawAI’s mission to ensure that major advances in AI are beneficial and safe for the public. It may also help to review LawAI’s current EU Law Workstream and Research Direction, which will give you a sense of the subject matter appropriate for Summer Research Fellows.

We welcome suggestions for other topics that have a clear connection to our research priorities.

Summer Research Fellowship (EU Law) start and end dates:

• The Summer Research Fellowship lasts 10-weeks from June 29 to September 4, and includes an in-person week in Cambridge, UK, July 6 to 10.
• We encourage Summer Research Fellows to work in person with LawAI staff at our Cambridge, UK office. Additional compensation is available for in-person participation (see below).

We expect Summer Research Fellows to work full-time, participate in regular team meetings, give occasional presentations on their research, and provide feedback on other research work within their cohort and the broader LawAI team.

In exceptional circumstances, we may consider adjustments to the fellowship start or end dates; however, our strong preference is for full participation. Requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. To be considered, please note this on your application.

• Weekly compensation: €1,000. We encourage Summer Research Fellows (EU Law) to work in person with LawAI staff at our Cambridge, UK office, with an additional €1,000 per week available to support living costs. Participation is contingent on holding a valid work authorization for the location in which you will be based. Candidates with exceptional experience or qualifications may be eligible for higher compensation.
• Admission to the Cambridge Forum on Law and AI, from August 18 to 23, with eligible travel expenses covered, including flights, accommodation, and meals.
• Close mentorship from our research staff and affiliates.
• Q&A sessions with leading experts in the field.
• EU AI law and policy networking opportunities and career planning resources.
• Opportunities to explore future collaborations, such as follow-on funding through grants, invitations to upcoming events, and potential projects or job openings with LawAI.

• Applicants should have a strong understanding of the legal principles applicable to AI regulation in EU Law. We welcome applicants from all countries and with various skill sets, experience levels, and degrees of knowledge in AI, law, and policy to apply, including those who have studied in non-EU countries or who are not qualified to practice law in the EU.
• While candidates should have an interest in AI law and policy and be prepared to apply their research abilities and legal knowledge to questions in our field, prior experience or expertise in AI-specific research is not required.
• Past Summer Research Fellows have included:
  • Graduate law students (e.g., LLM or JD), PhD candidates, and postdoctoral researchers
  • Professionals at various career stages looking to transition into AI-focused roles in research, academia, government, or industry
  • Legal academics
  • See our Summer Research Fellows for more examples.
• Ability to commit to full-time work from June 29 to September 4.  In exceptional circumstances, we may consider adjustments to the fellowship start or end dates; however, our strong preference is for full participation. Requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. To be considered, please note this on your application.
• Ability to attend the in-person week in Cambridge, UK, from July 6 to 10, with eligible travel expenses covered, including flights, accommodation, and meals.
• If you receive an offer, we will make every reasonable effort to support visa sponsorship. However, our ability to do so depends on the candidate and their location, and the relevant authorities ultimately determine eligibility. Participation is contingent on holding valid work authorization for the location in which you will be based.

Step 1: Submit your application form by 11:59 pm ET on January 30, 2026 (the application should take approximately 20 minutes to complete). We will not be able to assess late applications.

Step 2: Asynchronous exploratory interview (30 minutes)

• This interview aims to help us gain a deeper understanding of your perspective on AI development and its implications for society, law, and policy.

Step 3: Research interview (60 minutes)

• You will speak with a member of our research staff to discuss your research interests, goals, and fit for our program. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask us questions.

Step 4: Decision

• We aim to provide all applicants with a final decision by mid-March. If you need a decision by a particular date, please note this on your application form.

Diversity and equal opportunity: We strive to employ people with many experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who share our mission. We are committed to creating an environment where all employees have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their race, religion, disability, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, or if you have any questions about the application process, please contact programs@law-ai.org.