Talos Fellowship 2026: Mitigating AI Risks

The Talos Fellowship is a flagship program designed to launch and accelerate European policy careers focused on artificial intelligence. The program centers on ensuring the safe and responsible deployment of advanced AI and related technologies. It offers a comprehensive three-component journey: an 8-week online AI Policy Fundamentals reading group, a 7-day Brussels Policymaking Summit featuring expert speakers and networking, and an optional 4-6 month paid placement at leading AI governance organizations such as The Future Society, OECD.AI, and the Centre for European Policy Studies. Fellows engage in deep-dives into regulatory approaches, geopolitics, and national security while producing a published policy brief.

Target Audience:
◦ AI Experts: Individuals with a deep interest in AI and its societal effects.
◦ Education: Must have finished an undergraduate degree; many fellows hold a Master’s or PhD.
◦ Background: Machine learning or public policy backgrounds are particularly favored.
◦ Citizenship: Strong preference for EU citizens (due to EU institution role requirements).
◦ Skills: Excellent communicators capable of thriving in fast-paced environments.

Geographic Eligibility: Primarily focused on European Union citizens or those eligible for EU-based policy roles. The program includes online components and an in-person summit in Brussels, Belgium.

Tangible Benefits:
◦ Paid Placement: Optional 4-6 month placement at respected think tanks and organizations.
◦ Expert Training: 8-week deep-dive curriculum into frontier AI governance.
◦ Networking: Direct access to experts at the cutting edge of AI governance during the Brussels Summit.
◦ Publication: Opportunity to author and publish a Policy Brief.
◦ Summit Access: 7-day intensive summit in Brussels with workshops and guest speakers.

Application Deadline: April 27, 2026, at 23:59 CET.

Event Date:
◦ EU AI Policy Fundamentals (Online): August 12 – September 30, 2026.
◦ Talos Summit (Brussels): October 3 – 9, 2026.
◦ Paid Placement: October 2026 – March 2027.