Deadline: October 28, 2026
Applications are open for the AI and National Security Convergence Fellowship 2026-2027. The Converging Risks Lab (CRL), a unit within the Council on Strategic Risks (CSR), in partnership with the Future of Life Institute (FLI), is launching the second round of its AI & National Security Convergence Fellowship to hone 15 mid-career professionals’ ability to keep AI within human control at this crucial moment.
This Fellowship has four major components: a bootcamp, a staff ride, exercises, and networking opportunities. Apart from the staff ride, all in-person meetings and networking events will take place in downtown DC.
- Bootcamp and modules: Fellows will ground themselves in critical elements of human control during a seven-month “bootcamp” and apply that knowledge to a series of topic-specific modules. Each module will have two halves; Fellows will meet biweekly for 2-hour-long sessions, for a total of 14 sessions over the bootcamp. Half of these sessions will be virtual, and the other half will be in person at CSR’s offices in Farragut Square.
- Staff ride: Fellows will go on a short domestic trip to visit frontier AI labs as well as other relevant organizations – e.g., a national lab, a military unit, or a research institution. The Fellowship will cover the cost of airfare, lodging, and meals.
- Exercises: To apply the knowledge they gain, Fellows will engage in two scenario exercises and a capstone matrix game.
- Networking opportunities: Fellows will have the opportunity to network with each other during kick-off and closing dinners, and network and connect with peers, senior officials, and other professionals at no-host happy hours. As with last year’s Fellowship, six senior leaders will serve as Senior Advisors to the Fellowship and interact with Fellows during the modules.
Eligibility
- This Fellowship is geared towards individuals at the mid-career stage, defined as those with 10-15 years of professional and/or advanced academic experience.
- This Fellowship is open to a broad range of applicant backgrounds relevant to AI and national security issues, including individuals with experience working in diplomacy, defense, or international relations; those with legal, scientific, technical, or other professional backgrounds related to AI security; those with experience working in or with the US Congress; and those in local, state, or US federal government.
- Knowledge of AI and its facets is useful but not a prerequisite.
- US citizens and DC-based foreign nationals from allied nations are welcome to apply.
Requirements
- Applicants must live within the DC area and be able to attend regular meetings and events in downtown DC. Fellows are expected to attend seven in-person modules, two scenario exercises with dinners following, the trip (dates to be determined in coordination with the Fellows), and the final matrix game and dinner to close out the program.
- Applicants must affirm that they can attend all bootcamp meetings. Bootcamp sessions will accommodate work schedules as much as possible, and Fellows are permitted to miss a maximum number of five sessions for excusable reasons. However, Fellows will not be allowed to claim alumni status in the program should they miss more than six sessions.
Application
All applicants should complete the application, upload a resume or CV, and provide two references. Cover letters are not required. Applications are due by 5 pm Eastern Daylight Time on October 28, 2026. Applicants can adjust their submission until this time.
For more information, visit AI and National Security Convergence Fellowship.
