Impact AI Fellowship 2027 at HIIG: Earn €5,000 | International Research Fellowship

Overview

The Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society offers an international research programme exploring the societal and environmental impacts of artificial intelligence. The ten-week fellowship runs from 16 August to 22 October 2027 and is based in Berlin, Germany, utilizing a combination of in-person and remote activities. Participants examine how real-world artificial intelligence applications affect society, sustainability, and the public interest by applying a structured assessment method to a specific project. The programme combines training, workshops, expert contributions, independent research, and peer learning.

Who can apply

Applications are open to professionals and researchers working in academia, journalism, civil society organisations, public institutions, and companies involved in artificial intelligence, sustainability, or the public interest. Candidates generally require a Master’s degree, though applicants without one will not be automatically excluded if they demonstrate equivalent professional experience, training, and expertise. Eligible candidates should possess research experience or professional knowledge in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, sustainability and environmental issues, social impacts of technology, public interest, or interdisciplinary analysis. Applicants must be comfortable working independently, collaborating with other fellows, and meeting programme commitments.

What you get

Selected participants receive a fixed fellowship stipend of 5,000 euros for the ten-week programme, which includes any applicable tax and social security costs in the fellow’s country of origin. Additional financial support may be available for travel and accommodation required for participation in in-person activities in Berlin, subject to available resources. Fellows also receive comprehensive training in the assessment method, workshops led by researchers and practitioners, individual supervision from the research team, opportunities to collaborate with interdisciplinary peers, lead authorship of a case report, and potential opportunities for future research collaboration and publication.

Requirements

Fellows must complete an impact assessment of one real-world artificial intelligence project, which involves preparing and conducting interviews, analysing information, and writing a final assessment report. Participants must attend a mandatory online preparatory session on 11 May 2027. Attendance is also mandatory for full-time in-person sessions in Berlin during the first week from 16 to 20 August 2027 and the seventh week from 4 to 8 October 2027. Fellows are responsible for additional expenses such as health insurance, visa costs, and meals. Application requirements include completing an online form and submitting a curriculum vitae of a maximum of four pages combined into a single file.

Key dates

The programme runs from 16 August to 22 October 2027. A mandatory preparatory online session takes place on 11 May 2027. The first week of the programme occurs from 16 to 20 August 2027, followed by independent research from 23 August to 1 October 2027. In-person workshops take place from 4 to 8 October 2027, and the final assessment reports are completed between 11 and 22 October 2027. Online information sessions are scheduled for 10 and 17 November 2026, after which the temporarily paused application call is planned to reopen for a short period. The original application deadline of 15 January 2027 no longer applies.