BASE Fellowship Fall 2026: Empowering Black Researchers in AI Safety

BASE Fellowship Fall 2026: Advancing AI Safety for Black Researchers

The field of artificial intelligence is rapidly changing our world, impacting everything from how we work to how we live. As AI systems become more advanced, ensuring they are safe, fair, and beneficial for everyone is incredibly important. The BASE Fellows Fall 2026 program offers a unique chance for Black researchers, professionals, and students to become leaders in AI safety, governance, and security. This fully remote, part-time fellowship aims to increase representation and build a strong community of Black experts dedicated to shaping a responsible AI future.

About the BASE Fellowship Fall 2026

The BASE Fellowship is a 13-week program running from September to December 2026. It is designed to support and develop Black talent in key areas of artificial intelligence that are shaping technology and society. The fellowship focuses on three main areas: AI Safety, AI Governance, and AI Security. Through expert mentorship, group learning, and research projects, fellows will gain the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to the AI safety field and global governance discussions. The program works to ensure that the Black diaspora is involved in creating and regulating AI, rather than being left out of these important conversations.

Mission of Black in AI Safety and Ethics (BASE)

Black in AI Safety and Ethics (BASE) was created to build a connected and informed community of Black individuals in AI safety, governance, and security. The organization’s goals include increasing the number of Black leaders in AI, supporting Black researchers and professionals, and promoting ethical and fair AI systems. BASE also aims to build a worldwide network of Black AI experts and prevent Black communities from being disadvantaged by artificial intelligence. As AI continues to influence economies, governments, and daily life, BASE wants to make sure Black voices are heard in shaping AI policy and technology development.

What Fellows Will Gain from the Programme

The BASE Fellowship provides significant professional and academic advantages to those selected. Participants will receive direct guidance from experienced professionals and researchers in AI safety, governance, and security. This mentorship will help fellows improve their research abilities, develop expertise in technology and policy, and navigate career paths in AI. They will also gain practical experience by working on real research projects related to their chosen track and their mentor’s expertise. This includes learning about AI risk analysis, governance frameworks, safety methods, policy development, and secure AI use.

Furthermore, the fellowship offers foundational training in the fast-changing AI landscape. This training covers topics such as AI alignment, ethics, risks from advanced AI, AI policy and rules, governance structures, technical safety research, and creating AI systems that focus on people. Fellows will also join a growing international network of Black researchers, professionals, and AI leaders. This community offers chances for future teamwork, career growth, peer support, research partnerships, and sharing knowledge. The program also helps participants build their leadership skills in technical, interdisciplinary, and policy areas of AI, preparing them to influence AI development and governance globally.

Programme Structure and Timeline

The BASE Fellowship Fall 2026 is structured as a flexible part-time program to allow participants to balance it with their existing academic and professional commitments. The fellowship lasts for 13 weeks and will take place from September 2026 to December 2026. It is a fully remote program, meaning all activities will be done online. Participants are expected to communicate their weekly availability and explain how they plan to manage the fellowship alongside their other responsibilities. This flexible approach ensures that a wider range of individuals can benefit from the program without having to give up their current roles.

BASE Fellowship Selection Process

The selection process for the BASE Fellowship involves several stages to ensure that applicants are well-matched with mentors and research areas. First, applicants submit a detailed application that includes their resume or CV, educational background, work experience, research interests, a statement of motivation, and any professional achievements. They also select their preferred track and describe their research and leadership experiences.

After the initial application review, candidates who pass this stage will undergo a pre-screening assessment. This might be a coding test for technical tracks or a work-related test for non-technical tracks, designed to check a candidate’s readiness for their chosen path. Those who successfully pass the pre-screening will then apply to specific mentor-led projects that align with their chosen track. Mentors review these applications and select mentees based on how well they fit, their skills, and their research interests. Finally, the BASE team issues the official fellowship offers after the mentor selection process is complete.

Eligibility Requirements

The fellowship is open to individuals from the Black or African diaspora who are interested in AI safety, governance, and security. Applicants need to provide details about their education, current employer or affiliation, research interests, technical or policy skills, leadership and project experience, and their availability. They may also choose to share optional profile information such as their LinkedIn profile, Google Scholar page, ORCID ID, GitHub profile, or personal website. This information helps the selection committee understand each applicant’s background and potential contributions to the program.

Who Should Apply?

The BASE Fellowship is an excellent opportunity for Black researchers working in AI-related fields, policy professionals interested in AI governance, and students looking to explore AI safety research. It is also suitable for AI practitioners and technologists, interdisciplinary researchers, and professionals who want to take on leadership roles in ethical AI. The program welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those with technical expertise, policy knowledge, or interdisciplinary perspectives. The goal is to bring together a varied group of individuals who can contribute unique insights to the field of AI.

Why the BASE Fellowship Matters

Artificial intelligence is quickly changing all parts of society, from healthcare and education to government, security, and jobs. However, discussions about AI safety and governance often do not include enough voices from Black communities around the world. The BASE Fellowship aims to fix this by creating opportunities for Black professionals and researchers to actively participate in shaping the future of AI systems. By supporting Black leadership in AI governance and safety, the program helps build a more fair and inclusive technological future for everyone. This initiative is key to ensuring that AI development benefits all of society.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the BASE Fellows Fall 2026 program is 16 June 2026 at 11:59 PM Anywhere on Earth (AOE). It is recommended that interested applicants submit their applications early and have all the necessary documents prepared before the deadline. This will help avoid any last-minute issues and ensure a smooth application process. Preparing in advance also allows applicants to carefully review their submissions before sending them in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BASE Fellowship Fall 2026?

It’s a 13-week, part-time, fully remote fellowship from September to December 2026 for Black researchers, professionals, and students focused on AI safety, governance, and security.

What are the main goals of the BASE Fellowship?

The program aims to increase Black representation in AI leadership, build a strong community of Black experts, and promote ethical and fair AI systems.

What will participants gain from the fellowship?

Fellows will receive expert mentorship, gain practical research experience, receive foundational training in AI safety and governance, and join a global network of Black AI leaders.