HIIG Impact AI Fellowship 2027

The Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG) will be opening its doors to new Impact AI fellows in 2027! By putting a newly developed, innovative impact assessment method into practice, the Impact AI Fellowship Programme offers fellows a unique opportunity to explore the actual impacts of AI applications on society and the environment. Interdisciplinary research will enable fellows to generate evidence and contribute to the debate on AI for sustainability and the public interest. During the ten-week fellowship (16 August – 22 October 2027), fellows will evaluate one specific AI use case. The deadline for applications is 15 January 2027.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineJanuary 15, 2027
• Study LevelPostdoctoral Fellowships
• SponsorAlexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG)
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Comprehensive training in the Impact AI Method
• Workshops led by researchers and practitioners
• Individual supervision by the Impact AI research team
• An interdisciplinary peer-learning environment
• Lead authorship of a case report in support of our research team
• Opportunities for future collaboration and publication based on the research data from this case study
• A fixed fellowship stipend of €5,000 per person for the ten-week period (this amount includes any tax or social security costs that may apply in the respective fellows’ countries of origin). 

In addition, we will financially support costs related to travel and accommodation necessary for participation in the in-person programme, on an individual basis and as far as our capacity allows. Fellows are responsible for any further expenses (such as health insurance, visa, meals etc.). In exceptional cases, we will consider assisting with additional necessary costs that may arise. 

Requirements

• We welcome applications from people working in academia, journalism, civil society organisations, public institutions and companies engaged with AI, sustainability, or the public interest.
• We are looking for people with diverse academic, professional and personal backgrounds who are motivated to explore the societal and environmental impacts of the use of AI.
• A master’s degree is required and experience in the field is beneficial.
• While an academic track record is not mandatory, fellows need to have a deep interest in research and be open, motivated and capable of learning and applying a complex research method with adequate rigour.
• Fellows should be interested in interdisciplinary research and collaboration with other fellows and researchers, while being able to work independently and having a high degree of commitment and reliability. 
• Fellows can propose a specific AI project they would like to assess. However, this is not a requirement. Through a call for cases, we support fellows select and connect with a suitable AI project in the field.

Application Documents

Applicants should complete the online application form down below and submit the following documents (please combine them into a single file):

• CV (max. 4 pages) 
• Letter of motivation including. level of AI expertise, organisational background and potentially organisational motivation (if applicable) (max. 2 pages) 
• If applicable: Description of the proposed AI project (max. 2 pages) 

Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Eutopia PhD Co-tutelle Call

Application Deadline

How To Apply

For more information, kindly visit the HIIG webpage.