The Black in AI Safety and Ethics (BASE) Fellowship, Spring 2026, is a prestigious and mission-driven program created to strengthen Black representation, leadership, and influence in the rapidly expanding fields of AI Safety, AI Governance, and AI Security. As artificial intelligence continues to shape global systems, policies, and societies, BASE exists to ensure that Black voices are not left behind but instead are positioned at the center of decision-making and innovation.
About Black in AI Safety and Ethics (BASE)
Black in AI Safety and Ethics (BASE) is a global initiative dedicated to building a connected, informed, and empowered Black community within the AI safety ecosystem. Its core mission is to prevent the long-term marginalization and gradual disempowerment of the Black diaspora as artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in economic, political, and social structures.
BASE focuses on fostering fairness, accountability, transparency, and human-centered values in AI systems. Through education, mentorship, and research opportunities, the organization equips Black researchers, students, and professionals with the tools needed to actively shape how AI technologies are designed, governed, and deployed.
Also Apply For: Royal Society Davy Medal 2026 (Award of €2,000)
Overview of the BASE Fellowship Program
The BASE Fellowship Spring 2026 is a 12-week, part-time, fully remote program scheduled to run from April 2026 through July 2026. The fellowship is specifically designed to develop emerging and established Black talent across multiple tracks related to AI Safety, Security, and Governance.
Participants, known as BASE Fellows, gain access to:
- Structured expert mentorship
- Foundational training in AI safety-related disciplines
- Hands-on research experience
- Opportunities to collaborate on real-world mentor-led projects
The fellowship prepares participants for impactful research careers and leadership roles within the global AI safety ecosystem.
Program Structure and Time Commitment
The fellowship requires a commitment of 20–25 hours per week over the 12-week period. Activities include research work, mentorship sessions, seminars, and curriculum-based learning.
During the first month, fellows must dedicate approximately 4 hours per weekday, with at least 2 hours available daily for live curriculum sessions. After completing the core curriculum, the schedule becomes more flexible and research-focused.
The program is remote, allowing fellows to participate from anywhere in the world, though applicants must indicate their primary working time zone.
Fellowship Tracks and Focus Areas
Applicants may apply to up to two tracks, allowing them to showcase their strongest skill sets. Tracks span both technical and non-technical domains, including:
- AI Safety research
- AI Governance and policy
- AI Security and risk mitigation
- Interdisciplinary and ethics-focused research
Each fellow is matched with mentors whose projects align closely with their background and interests.
Selection Process
The BASE Fellowship follows a structured and competitive selection process:
Phase 1: Initial Review
Applications and references are carefully reviewed. Qualified applicants are invited to complete either:
- A coding test (for technical tracks), or
- A work sample test (for non-technical tracks)
Phase 2: Mentor Review
Applicants who pass the initial screening may apply directly to mentor-led projects. Mentors then review candidate profiles and select their preferred mentees.
Final Offers
Successful candidates receive official fellowship offers from the BASE team by early March 2026.
Application Timeline
- Application Deadline: January 9, 2026 (11:59 PM, Anywhere on Earth)
- Program Start: April 2026
- Program End: July 2026
Early preparation is strongly encouraged due to the depth and competitiveness of the application process.
Who Should Apply?
The BASE Fellowship is open to Black individuals across various educational and professional backgrounds, including:
- Students and recent graduates
- Academic researchers
- Industry professionals
- Independent researchers and policy practitioners
Applicants may be at any stage of their career, provided they demonstrate strong interest, commitment, and alignment with AI safety, governance, or security.
Commitment to Community Impact
Beyond technical and academic excellence, BASE places strong emphasis on community responsibility and ethical leadership. Fellows are expected to uphold BASE principles by actively contributing to efforts that prevent harm, bias, and exclusion in AI systems, particularly those that affect Black and marginalized communities.
The fellowship is not only a professional development opportunity but also a platform for collective empowerment and long-term impact.
Why the BASE Fellowship Matters
As AI technologies increasingly influence governance, surveillance, labor, and access to resources, the absence of Black voices in AI safety conversations can lead to inequitable outcomes. The BASE Fellowship directly addresses this gap by cultivating a pipeline of Black experts who can influence policy, research, and system design at the highest levels.
Through mentorship, collaboration, and rigorous research training, BASE Fellows emerge better equipped to shape an AI-driven future that prioritizes justice, accountability, and shared well-being.
For more information, visit the Black in AI Safety & Ethics Fellowship.
