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Summary

• Official programme: Impact AI Fellowship 2027
• Host institution: Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG)
• Location: Berlin, Germany
• Duration: 10 weeks
• Fellowship dates: 16 August – 22 October 2027
• Preparatory session: 11 May 2027, online
• Stipend: €5,000 per fellow for the full 10-week programme
• Travel and accommodation: Financial support may be available, depending on individual needs and programme capacity
• Eligible applicants: Professionals and researchers from academia, journalism, civil society, public institutions and companies
• Minimum qualification: Master’s degree
• Application deadline: 15 January 2027
• Research focus: Assessing the societal and environmental impacts of artificial intelligence

About the Scholarship/Programme

The Impact AI Fellowship 2027 is a 10-week research fellowship organised by the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG) in Berlin, Germany.

The programme examines how artificial intelligence applications affect society and the environment, including whether systems promoted as “AI for Good” genuinely contribute to sustainability and the public interest.

The fellowship forms part of HIIG’s interdisciplinary Impact AI research project, which works with Greenpeace Germany and Economy for the Common Good (ECOnGOOD). The project has developed a structured method for assessing the actual effects of AI systems, including their potential benefits, risks and unintended consequences.

Selected fellows will learn this assessment method and apply it to a real-world AI application. Their work will involve preparing and conducting interviews, analysing information, evaluating findings and producing a final impact assessment report.

The programme combines workshops, expert contributions, independent research and collaboration with other fellows. Participants receive individual guidance from the Impact AI research team throughout the fellowship.

The fellowship runs from 16 August to 22 October 2027. Two weeks require full-time, in-person participation at HIIG in Berlin, while remote work and part-time arrangements may be possible during other weeks if agreed with the organisers.

This is a research and professional-development fellowship, not a university degree scholarship. Applicants should have a strong interest in interdisciplinary research and the societal implications of artificial intelligence.

Scholarship Benefits

The Impact AI Fellowship provides financial support and practical research experience. However, it is important to distinguish the confirmed stipend from expenses that are only partially supported.

According to the official announcement, selected fellows receive:

• €5,000 fellowship stipend: A fixed payment for the complete 10-week fellowship. The amount includes any applicable tax or social security costs arising in the fellow’s country of origin.
• Travel assistance: Financial support for travel required to participate in the in-person programme, subject to individual circumstances and the organisers’ capacity.
• Accommodation assistance: Financial support for accommodation related to the in-person programme may be available under the same conditions.
• Research training: Comprehensive instruction in the Impact AI assessment method.
• Expert-led workshops: Sessions with researchers and practitioners.
• Individual supervision: Guidance from HIIG’s Impact AI research team.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: Opportunities to exchange ideas and work with fellows from different professional backgrounds.
• Research authorship: Lead authorship of a case report supporting the research team.
• Future research opportunities: Possibilities for further collaboration and publication based on the research data.

Important funding clarification: This fellowship should not be described as fully funded in the sense that all expenses are guaranteed to be covered. Travel and accommodation support depends on individual needs and available capacity. Fellows remain responsible for expenses such as visas, health insurance and meals. The €5,000 stipend is the stated fixed amount for the entire fellowship, not a monthly salary.

Who Can Apply?

HIIG welcomes applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds who are interested in AI, sustainability and the public interest.

1. Educational qualification

A master’s degree is required. Applicants do not need to demonstrate an extensive academic publication record, but they must have a strong interest in research and the ability to engage rigorously with a complex assessment method.

2. Professional background

Applications are welcomed from people working in:

• Universities and academic research.
• Journalism and media.
• Civil society organisations.
• Public institutions.
• Companies working with artificial intelligence, sustainability or public-interest issues.

3. Research interest

Applicants should be motivated to investigate the societal and environmental effects of AI applications. An understanding of AI is relevant, and the application should explain the candidate’s level of AI expertise.

4. Collaboration and independent work

Candidates must be comfortable working independently, collaborating with researchers and other fellows, and participating in interdisciplinary discussions.

5. Commitment and reliability

Fellows must commit to the programme’s activities and deliverables, including mandatory in-person sessions, regular online check-ins and completion of the final assessment report.

Applicants may suggest an AI project they would like to assess, but proposing a project is not compulsory. HIIG can help connect selected fellows with a suitable case.

The official announcement does not specify a nationality restriction, so applicants should consult the application form for any additional conditions.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Read the official fellowship announcement.

Review the programme structure, eligibility requirements, stipend and conditions for travel and accommodation assistance.

Step 2: Prepare your CV.

Your CV must not exceed four pages. Highlight relevant education, professional experience, research skills and work related to AI, sustainability or the public interest.

Step 3: Write your motivation letter.

Prepare a letter of no more than two pages explaining your motivation, professional or organisational background, and level of AI expertise. If relevant, explain your organisation’s interest in the fellowship.

Step 4: Prepare a project description if applicable.

If you wish to propose a specific AI project for assessment, include a description of no more than two pages. This document is optional.

Step 5: Combine your documents.

The official instructions ask applicants to combine the CV, motivation letter and any applicable project description into a single file.

Step 6: Complete the online application form.

Submit the application and required documents through the form on HIIG’s official fellowship page.

Step 7: Consider attending an information session.

HIIG lists online information sessions on 10 November 2026 at 10:00 a.m. and 17 November 2026 at 3:00 p.m. The announcement says registration is not required.

Step 8: Submit before the deadline.

Ensure that your application is complete and submitted by 15 January 2027.

Important Deadline

• Application deadline: 15 January 2027
• Mandatory online preparatory session: 11 May 2027
• Fellowship begins: 16 August 2027
• In-person programme weeks: 16–20 August and 4–8 October 2027
• Fellowship ends: 22 October 2027

Applicants should plan for the preparatory session as well as the main fellowship dates.

Official Application Link

Official fellowship announcement and application form

Applicants should use the official HIIG page to access the online form and confirm the latest application instructions.

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

The Impact AI Fellowship 2027 is an opportunity for qualified professionals and researchers to investigate how artificial intelligence affects society and the environment while developing practical research skills in Berlin.

The programme offers a €5,000 stipend for 10 weeks, but travel and accommodation support is conditional, and visa, insurance and meal costs remain the fellow’s responsibility.

Prepare the required documents carefully and submit your application before 15 January 2027.

Visit www.aktravelsltd.com for more international fellowships, scholarships and verified opportunities.