AI and National Security Convergence Fellowship 2026/27

The Council on Strategic Risks invites mid-career professionals in the Washington, D.C. area to apply for the second cohort of its AI and National Security Convergence Fellowship. The program focuses on preserving human control over advanced AI. Act quickly, because the deadline is 23 October 2026.

Program Snapshot

• Host Organization: Council on Strategic Risks (Converging Risks Lab)
• Funding: Staff ride costs covered; no stipend mentioned
• Duration: Eight months, from November 2026 to July 2027
• Location: Washington, D.C., with one domestic trip
• Target Group: Mid-career professionals with 10 to 15 years of experience
• Deadline: 23 October 2026, 5:00 PM EDT (extended from 20 October)

Focus Areas

• Human control over autonomous AI
• Autonomous cyber and influence operations
• Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear risks
• AI in military systems and nuclear command and control
• AI competition and cooperation with China
• Testing, evaluation, and verification of AI systems

About the Fellowship

The fellowship has four parts: a bootcamp, a staff ride, exercises, and networking. The seven-month bootcamp covers seven monthly modules. Fellows meet every two weeks for two-hour sessions. Half of the 14 sessions are virtual, and half take place at the Council’s offices in Farragut Square.

On the staff ride, fellows visit frontier AI labs and other organizations, such as a national lab or a military unit. They also join two scenario exercises and a final matrix game. Six senior leaders serve as advisors to the cohort.

What Fellows Receive

• Expert-led training on human control over AI
• A staff ride with airfare, lodging, and meals covered
• Scenario exercises and a capstone matrix game
• Networking with peers and senior officials
• Contact with six senior advisors

Who Can Apply

The program suits professionals with 10 to 15 years of experience and a graduate degree or professional certification. Eligible backgrounds include:

• Diplomacy, defense, or international relations
• Legal, scientific, or technical work on AI security
• Work with the U.S. Congress
• Local, state, or U.S. federal government

Applicants must live in the D.C. area. U.S. citizens and D.C.-based foreign nationals from allied nations may apply. AI knowledge helps but is not required. Fellows must attend all bootcamp meetings, with limited exceptions. Those who miss more than six sessions cannot claim alumni status.

Required Materials

• The online application form
• A resume or CV
• Two references
• Cover letters are not required.

How to Apply

Read the eligibility rules carefully. Then complete the application and upload your documents before the deadline. You can edit your submission until then. The Council will notify applicants by early November.

#339966;">#339966;" href="https://councilonstrategicrisks.org/2026/10/05/applications-open-ai-and-national-security-convergence-fellowship-2026-2027/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click Here to Apply

Conclusion

This fellowship offers mid-career professionals focused training on AI and national security. Eligible candidates in the D.C. area should apply before 23 October 2026.

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