Call for Proposals: The Collective Intelligence Project (CIP) Research Fellowship – Apply By 15 May 2026

The Collective Intelligence Project (CIP) is a nonprofit research organization focused on advancing democratic oversight of artificial intelligence. Through innovative tools, datasets, and methodologies, CIP works to ensure that public values are reflected in the development and governance of AI systems.

Its work spans large-scale global surveys, deliberative research methods, and open AI evaluation platforms. By enabling informed public participation, CIP aims to shape responsible and inclusive AI governance frameworks.

Research Fellowship Overview

The CIP Research Fellowship (Pilot Cohort) is a unique opportunity for researchers to conduct original, high-impact work at the intersection of AI, public values, and democratic governance. The program offers access to exclusive datasets and tools not available elsewhere, enabling fellows to produce publishable academic and public-facing outputs.

Key Details:

• Fellowship Size: 3 fellows
• Duration: 6 months
• Commitment: 5–10 hours per week
• Format: Remote (non-residential)
• Compensation: $9,000 stipend (milestone-based payments)
• Application Deadline: 15 May 2026

Data and Research Resources

Fellows will gain access to proprietary datasets from CIP’s core initiatives, enabling advanced research and analysis:

• Global Dialogues: Multi-country surveys capturing public attitudes toward AI across 70+ countries, including demographic and qualitative data
• Collective Generation: Deliberative datasets focused on building consensus-driven AI evaluation frameworks
• Weval: An open AI evaluation platform with over 100 testing blueprints and diverse model performance results

These datasets provide a rich foundation for exploring complex questions related to AI governance, public opinion, and societal impact.

Research Themes

Fellows will be selected based on distinct thematic approaches to ensure diverse and complementary outputs. Suggested focus areas include:

Democratic and Comparative Analysis

• Cross-country comparisons of AI attitudes and governance preferences
• Patterns of polarization and consensus across populations
• Cultural and demographic influences on AI perspectives

Communication and Deliberation

• Analysis of discourse, framing, and reasoning in public deliberations
• Shifts in opinion through exposure to diverse viewpoints
• Computational analysis of qualitative and multilingual data

Governance and Institutions

• Public trust in institutions and its effect on AI policy preferences
• Identification of consensus or divergence on regulatory approaches
• Comparative analysis of governance models across regions

Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative research ideas aligned with CIP’s mission, even beyond these themes.

Deliverables and Timeline

Fellows will complete the program through three structured phases, with compensation tied to milestone completion:

• Phase I (Month 1): Onboarding and submission of a 2-page research plan
• Phase II (Months 2–4): Presentation of preliminary findings
• Phase III (Months 5–6): Final deliverable (e.g., research paper, blog series, or prototype)

Eligibility and Candidate Profile

The fellowship is designed for researchers with strong analytical capabilities and an interest in AI governance.

Preferred Candidates:

• Late-stage PhD candidates (ABD)
• Early-career postdoctoral researchers
• Backgrounds in:
  • Political Science
  • Computational Social Science
  • Sociology
  • Computer Science (AI/ML)

Additional Considerations:

• Strong quantitative or mixed-methods research skills
• Ability to work independently and manage research projects
• Demonstrated interest in public values and AI governance

CIP emphasizes research quality, originality, and motivation over institutional prestige.

Benefits of the Fellowship

Participants will gain both professional and academic advantages, including:

• Access to unique, large-scale global datasets
• Financial support through a structured stipend
• Opportunities for co-authorship on CIP working papers
• Increased visibility through CIP’s research and media platforms
• Collaboration with a small cohort of peer researchers
• Direct contribution to ongoing AI governance initiatives

Application Process

Applicants must submit a complete application package that demonstrates both research capability and alignment with CIP’s mission.

Required Materials:

• A 1-page research proposal outlining objectives, data usage, and impact
• A CV or resume (maximum 2 pages) or LinkedIn profile
• A 200–300 word statement on experience with large datasets and interest in CIP
• A writing sample showcasing analytical rigor

Applicants are encouraged to review publicly available Global Dialogues data prior to submission. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two weeks after the deadline.

Conclusion

The CIP Research Fellowship offers a rare opportunity to engage with cutting-edge datasets and contribute to one of the most important global conversations—how AI should be governed in alignment with public values. It is particularly suited for researchers seeking to produce impactful, policy-relevant work while collaborating within an innovative and mission-driven environment.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.