Call for Applications: Division of Ethics, AI Fellows (Fall 2026)

The Division of Ethics in the Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) is seeking applicants for our Fall 2026 cohort of AI Fellows. This program is designed for Columbia University students looking to deepen their engagement at the intersection of artificial intelligence, healthcare, governance, and ethics. The fellowship will be structured around the Reprogramming Governance: Ethical AI in Science and Health Symposium, providing guided reading groups and engagement activities with conference planners and presenters.
 

Format: In person

Fellowship Term: Fall 2026

Application deadline: September 15, 2026 

 

Apply Here


Eligibility

This fellowship is open to Columbia University masters students and doctoral students in degree programs across a broad range of disciplines, including medicine, bioethics, medical humanities, health policy, public health, law, information science, human-computer interaction, computer science, data science, engineering,  science and technology studies (STS), history, philosophy, ethics, media studies and related fields. 

Recent graduates and advanced undergraduate students at Columbia University will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. All applicants must be able to commit to the fellowship schedule. Participation in all events is mandatory, and fellows must confirm their availability for all dates at the time of application.

Responsibilities 

The 8-12 selected fellows are expected to actively participate in the intellectual life of the cohort. Responsibilities include: 

  • Participating in reading group discussion seminars exploring foundational literature and emerging scholarship in algorithmic governance and sociotechnical studies of AI on the following dates:

    • October 2, 2026 (10am – noon): “The Ethical Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) of AI”

    • October 30, 2026 (10am – noon): “Hacking and the Participatory Turn in AI”

    • December 3, 2026 (3pm – 5pm): “The Politics of Trust and Trustworthiness”

 

  • Attending the Reprogramming Governance: Ethical AI in Science and Health symposium event series, including all of the following: 

    • October 9, 2026 (8am - 2pm): “Governing AI in Health”

    • November 6, 2026 (noon - 6pm): “AI for Health Equity” Part I

    • November 13, 2026 (3pm - 6pm):  “AI for Health Equity” Part II

    • December [3, 4, 10, or 11], 2026 : “Trustworthiness of Clinical AI”

 

  • Scholarly Contribution: 

    • Developing a contribution on the ethical, legal, and social implications of AI in healthcare contexts. This can be in the form of an insight brief, interview blogpost, academic publication, design spring solution, etc., depending on academic background and interests.

    • Showcasing outputs and deliverables to peers, faculty, and working group members at the end of the semester. 

 

Applicants must confirm their ability to satisfy these requirements prior to acceptance of the fellowship.

Opportunities 

Fellows will be mentored by the faculty and research staff within the Division of Ethics for project development and academic guidance. They will also receive exclusive Invitations to the Reprogramming Governance symposium kickoff event with members of Columbia University’s AI Oversight & Governance Working Group, as well as to private lunches and networking sessions with invited keynote speakers.

 

The fellowship will provide a stipend of $500 for each applicant.

Application Process 

To apply, please complete the online application form by September 15, 2026. Applicants may self-nominate or be nominated by a faculty member. Applicants should submit: 

  1. A one-paragraph nomination from a faculty member (if applicable).

  2. A statement of interest (maximum 500 words) detailing your research interests and alignment with the fellowship.

  3. A current academic transcript.

  4. A recent CV or resume.

  5. An academic or professional reference. 

By September 21, 2026, the review committee will begin scheduling interviews with select applicants. The committee will make decisions and notify applicants by September 28, 2026. 

Decision Criteria

The review committee will select fellows based on applicants’

  • Demonstrated interest in examining the ethical, legal, and societal implications of AI and automated systems in healthcare settings. Academic publications, conference presentations, research positions, internships, coursework, and related activities will be considered. 

  • Strong academic foundation in the applicant’s home discipline.

  • Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary approaches and for engaging productively and respectfully with diverse perspectives.

About the Division of Ethics

The Division of Ethics within the Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics at CUIMC serves as a bridge between scientific innovation, clinical practice, and humanistic inquiry. We are dedicated to investigating the ethical, social, and structural implications of historical and contemporary medical practices. By hosting initiatives like the Reprogramming Governance symposium, the Division fosters vital interdisciplinary dialogue among data scientists, clinicians, ethicists, and the broader community to ensure that emerging technologies prioritize equity, justice, and human dignity.


 

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