Applications are open for the Impact AI Fellowship 2027 in Berlin, Germany, an interdisciplinary research programme organised by the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG). The fellowship brings together professionals from academia, journalism, civil society, public institutions and the private sector to examine how artificial intelligence affects society and the environment.
Running for ten weeks from August 16 to October 22, 2027, the programme will train fellows to assess the real-world consequences of AI applications designed to create positive change. Participants will conduct research, collaborate with experts and contribute evidence-based findings to discussions about responsible AI, sustainability and the public interest.
Selected fellows will receive a fixed stipend of €5,000 for the programme, alongside research training, supervision and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Applicants from all countries are eligible to apply, provided they meet the requirements.
The application deadline is January 15, 2027.
Impact AI Fellowship 2027: Overview
- Host Country: Germany
- Location: Berlin
- Host Institution: Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG)
- Programme Duration: 10 weeks
- Fellowship Dates: August 16 – October 22, 2027
- Financial Support: €5,000 fixed stipend
- Degree Requirement: Master’s degree
- Eligible Countries: All countries
- Application Deadline: January 15, 2027
- Application Fee: Check the official announcement for details
Financial Benefits
The Impact AI Fellowship offers financial support and practical research opportunities for selected participants.
The advertised benefits include:
- €5,000 stipend: A fixed payment for the ten-week fellowship, inclusive of applicable taxes and social security costs in the fellow’s country of origin.
- Research training: Instruction in the Impact AI Method, a structured approach to evaluating AI’s wider consequences.
- Expert workshops: Sessions facilitated by researchers and practitioners.
- Individual supervision: Guidance from the Impact AI research team.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration: Opportunities to exchange ideas and work with professionals from different fields.
- Lead authorship: Fellows will lead the writing of a case assessment report as part of the research.
- Potential research opportunities: Possibilities for further collaboration and publication based on the case study data.
- Travel and accommodation support: Individual financial assistance may be available for necessary expenses associated with in-person participation, subject to the institute’s available resources.
Important: The €5,000 stipend is not necessarily an additional payment on top of other benefits. Health insurance, visa costs and meals remain the participant’s responsibility unless exceptional support is agreed upon. Travel and accommodation assistance is conditional and should not be assumed to cover all expenses.
About the Impact AI Fellowship
The fellowship forms part of HIIG’s Impact AI research project, which developed the Impact AI Method to assess the societal and environmental consequences of artificial intelligence systems.
The project works in partnership with Greenpeace Germany and Economy for the Common Good (ECOnGOOD), with funding from the Volkswagen Foundation.
During the fellowship, participants will investigate an actual AI application intended to deliver positive social or environmental outcomes. Their research will help establish evidence about the technology’s real-world effects and support informed discussion about developing AI systems that serve the public interest.
What Will Fellows Do?
Participants will complete a structured assessment of an AI application, combining research, data collection, analysis and report writing.
Activities may include:
- Learning and applying the Impact AI Method.
- Preparing interviews and gathering relevant information.
- Investigating the societal and environmental effects of an AI application.
- Analysing collected evidence.
- Participating in expert workshops and online learning sessions.
- Discussing preliminary findings with researchers and fellow participants.
- Producing a final case assessment report.
Applicants may propose an AI project they would like to assess, although this is optional. The programme will also help fellows identify suitable projects through a call for cases.
Fellowship Schedule
The programme includes online preparation, in-person training in Berlin and independent research.
- November 10, 2026: First information session at 10:00 a.m.
- November 17, 2026: Second information session at 3:00 p.m.
- May 11, 2027: Mandatory online preparatory session.
- August 16–20, 2027: First in-person week in Berlin, introducing the research method and interview preparation.
- August 23 – October 1, 2027: Independent research, data collection, weekly check-ins and online workshops.
- October 4–8, 2027: Second in-person week in Berlin to present and discuss assessment findings.
- October 11–22, 2027: Final research activities and completion of the assessment report.
Attendance at the required in-person sessions and regular online check-ins is mandatory. The first and seventh weeks require full-time in-person participation in Berlin. Remote or part-time arrangements may be negotiated for other periods, depending on individual circumstances and programme requirements.
Applicants should confirm the schedule and attendance expectations before applying.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship welcomes applicants from different professional and academic backgrounds who are interested in artificial intelligence, sustainability and the public interest.
The stated eligibility requirements include:
- Education: A master’s degree is required.
- Professional background: Applicants should work in, or have relevant experience connected to, academia, journalism, civil society, public institutions, companies or related fields.
- Interest in AI: Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in the societal and environmental effects of artificial intelligence.
- Research ability: Applicants must be willing and able to learn and apply a complex research methodology carefully.
- Collaboration: An interest in interdisciplinary work and knowledge sharing is important.
- Personal qualities: Candidates should demonstrate independence, reliability, motivation and commitment to completing the programme’s activities and outputs.
Relevant professional experience is beneficial, but an established academic publication record is not mandatory.
Eligible Countries
The opportunity is listed as open to applicants from all countries. International candidates can therefore consider applying if they meet the educational, professional and other programme requirements.
However, eligibility does not automatically guarantee selection, financial assistance for travel or accommodation, or approval of a German visa.
How to Apply for the Impact AI Fellowship 2027
Interested candidates should apply through the official HIIG website.
- Visit the official fellowship announcement.
- Read the eligibility criteria, programme schedule and participation requirements.
- Prepare your application materials according to the instructions on the website.
- Explain your interest in AI’s societal and environmental impacts and your relevant professional background.
- If you have a suitable AI project in mind, consider proposing it for assessment.
- Submit your application before January 15, 2027.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
Application deadline: January 15, 2027.
The two information sessions are scheduled for November 10 and November 17, 2026. Check the official announcement for details on how to attend and for any updates to the application process.
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