Artificial intelligence is reshaping the world faster than laws can keep up. For students and professionals who want to work where technology meets legal impact, the Institute for Law & AI (LawAI) has opened one of the most valuable opportunities of 2026: the Summer Research Fellowship (EU Law).
Applications close on January 30, 2026, and the competition is expected to be strong.
Why This Fellowship Matters
AI policy is becoming one of the most important fields in global governance. The EU is leading the world with the AI Act, and organizations everywhere need experts who understand how technology, security, and regulation interact.
LawAI’s fellowship gives you a chance to work directly on these challenges. Previous fellows have gone on to roles at the EU AI Office, UK AI Safety Institute, leading AI labs, universities, and think tanks. Some have even joined LawAI itself.
If you’re aiming for a high-impact career in AI law or policy, this program can be your launchpad.
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A Quick Overview of the Program
The fellowship runs for 10 weeks, from June 29 to September 4, 2026, and includes an in-person week in Cambridge, UK, from July 6 to 10.
What makes it stand out is a mix of independent research, direct mentorship, and exposure to high-level policy conversations. Fellows work on topics connected to LawAI’s mission, including responsible AI development, governance, and EU regulation.
You can choose to work on:
- A long-form research project
- A law review article
- A policy brief
- Multiple research tasks across the organization
The structure is flexible, and your mentor helps shape the project based on your background and goals.
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Financial Benefits
This fellowship is fully paid, making it accessible to candidates from all regions.
You receive:
- €1,000 per week
- An additional €1,000 per week if you work in person at their Cambridge office
- Covered travel, accommodation, and meals for the Cambridge Forum on Law and AI (August 18–23)
Candidates with exceptional experience may even receive higher compensation.
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Who Should Apply
LawAI welcomes:
- Graduate law students (LLM, JD)
- PhD researchers
- Postdocs
- Legal academics
- Professionals shifting into AI law or policy
You don’t need previous AI research experience. What matters is a solid understanding of EU legal principles and a strong interest in artificial intelligence governance.
They accept candidates from any country, including those who studied outside the EU or are not licensed to practice law in Europe.
Work authorization will be required for wherever you plan to be based, and LawAI will try to support visa sponsorship where possible.
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What You’ll Gain
The program is designed to accelerate your career in AI governance. Fellows get:
- One-on-one mentorship
- Q&A sessions with leaders in AI law
- Networking with EU policymakers, researchers, and industry
- Career development support
- Access to future collaborations, grants, and even job opportunities within LawAI
For many, this becomes a stepping stone to long-term roles in public policy, government, research, or global AI institutions.
Application Process
The process has four steps:
- Submit the online application by January 30, 2026
- Exploratory asynchronous interview (30 minutes)
- Research interview (60 minutes)
- Final decision by mid-March
If you need an early decision, you can mention that in your form.
Why This Fellowship Is Trending
Google Discover tends to highlight opportunities that blend global relevance, innovation, and strong career pathways. With AI governance becoming one of the most talked-about areas in 2026, programs like this naturally attract strong visibility.
This fellowship checks all the boxes:
- International reach
- High financial value
- Strong career outcomes
- Clear connection to AI, one of the hottest topics online
If you run a scholarship or education website, adding this program can significantly boost your Discover impressions.
Final Thoughts
The LawAI Summer Research Fellowship is more than a research program. It’s a chance to join the community shaping the legal future of artificial intelligence. If you want to contribute to responsible AI development and build expertise in EU regulatory frameworks, this is one of the best opportunities of 2026.
