Pathfinder Fellowship 2026: AI Safety Leadership Opportunity

Applications are now open for the Pathfinder Fellowship 2026, a selective program for students looking to organize technical AI safety or AI policy groups at their universities. This fellowship offers mentorship, funding, and resources to help students become on-campus leaders in the field of AI safety. The program is run by Kairos, a nonprofit dedicated to helping society manage the transition to transformative AI.

Application Closing Date: July 28, 2026
Location: Global (University-based groups)
Programme Duration: Not specified
Stipend: Available for graduate students
Minimum Qualification: Interest in AI safety and ability to explain core AI risk concerns
Opportunity Type: Fellowship

About the Pathfinder Fellowship

The Pathfinder Fellowship is designed to empower students who are passionate about Artificial Intelligence safety and policy. It aims to equip them with the skills and support needed to establish and lead university-based AI safety groups. These groups will help students learn and upskill, preparing them for careers in this critical and rapidly advancing field.

The fellowship focuses on developing on-campus leaders who can foster a community of learning and engagement around AI safety. Organizers gain valuable experience in leadership, event planning, and community building, which are highly beneficial for future career paths in AI.

About Kairos

Kairos is a non-profit organization committed to guiding society through the significant changes brought about by transformative AI. Their mission is to ensure that the development and deployment of AI are handled responsibly and ethically. The Pathfinder Fellowship is one of their key initiatives to cultivate expertise and awareness in AI safety.

Available Fellowship Opportunities

The Pathfinder Fellowship is open to students who are leading or planning to found a university AI safety group. This includes both undergraduate and graduate students. The focus is on organizing technical AI safety or AI policy initiatives within academic institutions.

What the Fellowship Offers

Successful applicants to the Pathfinder Fellowship will receive several benefits designed to support their leadership and group activities:

• Funding: Organizers can apply for financial support for their group’s activities. This can cover expenses such as compute resources, speaker events, and even basic refreshments for meetings. Graduate students may also receive a stipend to support their time dedicated to leading the group.
• Mentorship: Fellows are paired with experienced organizers who provide guidance and share practical advice. Mentors work closely with fellows to help them achieve their specific goals and overcome challenges.
• Community: The fellowship fosters a strong sense of community through workshops, a dedicated Slack channel, and virtual coffee chats. These platforms allow fellows to connect with peers, share resources, and find inspiration.
• Career Support: Mentors often have experience in leading AI safety organizations. They offer advice to help fellows navigate their careers in the AI safety field. Past participants have secured roles at prominent AI organizations and gained entry into top fellowships.
• Resources: Pathfinder provides workshops on essential skills for building and managing university groups, such as outreach and facilitation. Fellows also gain access to a comprehensive resource center with articles on managing AI safety university groups.
• Impact: By organizing on campus, fellows contribute significantly to the AI safety field and their own professional development. They help other students learn and upskill, contributing to a safer future with AI.

Programme Duration and Location

The duration of the Pathfinder Fellowship is not specified. However, the program supports the establishment and growth of university AI safety groups, which are ongoing initiatives. Fellows can be based anywhere in the world, as long as they are organizing or planning to organize a university group.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the Pathfinder Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a student (undergraduate or graduate).
• Help lead or plan to found a university AI safety group.
• Possess a strong interest in AI safety.
• Have sufficient knowledge of AI safety to explain core AI risk concerns to beginners.

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed as formal requirements, the fellowship values individuals who demonstrate:

• Leadership potential
• Interest in AI policy and safety
• Organizational skills
• Communication abilities
• Willingness to learn and share knowledge

Who Should Apply?

This fellowship is ideal for students who are passionate about AI safety and want to take an active role in educating their peers. If you are interested in building a community around AI safety at your university, have a good understanding of the field’s core risks, and are eager to develop your leadership skills, this opportunity is for you. It suits proactive individuals looking to make a tangible impact.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents for their application:

• Updated CV
• A clear explanation of your interest in AI safety and your plans for a university group.
• Any other documents requested on the application portal.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply for the Pathfinder Fellowship 2026 by visiting the official application portal.

Click here to apply for the Pathfinder Fellowship 2026

For more detailed information about the fellowship, you can visit the Pathfinder Fellowship website.

Important Notes

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Ensure all information provided in the application is accurate.
• Applicants should apply before the closing date of July 28, 2026.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications for the Pathfinder Fellowship 2026 is July 28, 2026.

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