Explore and develop AI safety research projects
Our Research Fellowship provides hands-on research experience in AI safety for motivated students ready to dive deeper into the field. This program requires an extended application process and is designed for students who have demonstrated commitment to AI safety research.
Prerequisites: Applicants must have either completed one of our introductory reading groups with good attendance, or demonstrate equivalent experience in AI safety research or related fields.
The Spring 2026 version of the research fellowship will be mentored by Jennifer Evans and Ida Mattson, both PhD students with experience in AI safety research. Throughout the semester, there will be guest mentors based on your research project.
The Research Fellowship is more self-guided and exploratory in nature. Some people come with lots of experience and ideas, looking for mentorship and collaborators, while others have just completed our fundamentals program and want to explore their first research projects in AI safety alongside peers.
It helps to have an area of interest and a few papers to explore, but it's not required. The first phase of the fellowship includes team matching and project scoping.
Find peers at your stage exploring AI safety research together, get mentorship from experienced PhD students, and tap into CMU's network of AI safety researchers matched to your project interests.
Yes, approximately $800 in compute or API credits per project.
Two hours per week for group meetings, mentorship, and feedback. Additional time expected for independent project work.