The Programme
The AI Governance Fast Track is a UK talent development initiative designed to equip outstanding students with the knowledge and skills to shape the future of AI governance.
Participants will deepen their understanding of AI governance and deliver research projects to policymakers. They will network with peers and professionals and think critically about the future of AI and its societal impacts, preparing them for careers that influence the development and direction of AI policy.
Programme Structure: The Fast Track offers two flagship components: the AI Policy Accelerator and the Mentorship Programme.
AI Policy Accelerator:
One week intensive course covering the background needed for the governance of frontier AI
Two week research project with past and current AI policy advisors in the UK Government
Full time, 7th–25th April 2025
Mentorship Programme:
Students paired with AI governance professionals for mentorship across February – September 2025
Professional networking events for the mentorship community
Eligibility:
Participants may do either or both components
You must be able to attend all in-person components (London)
You must be currently studying at a university in the UK
This can include part-time or distance learners
You are eligible to apply if you will be a student in the UK by February 2025.
You are eligible to apply if you are currently a student in the UK (even if you graduate before the programme begins).
AI Policy Accelerator
The AI Policy Accelerator is a 3-week intensive programme designed to provide participants with the knowledge and hands-on experience to launch a successful career in AI policy.
Dates: 7th–25th April 2025 (full-time)
Location: London
Stipend: £250 total*
Travel reimbursements available
Programme Breakdown
Week 1 – AI for Policymakers
Participants will complete a 5-day course which builds the foundational knowledge required to govern frontier AI systems effectively. The course will cover frontier AI from 3 different perspectives:
Micro: the scientific and technological dimensions of general-purpose AI, including the basic principles of deep learning, and the different stages of AI development
Macro: an overview of the broader supply chain behind frontier AI, moving from chip manufacturing to cloud computing and data labelling
Applied: an introduction to model evaluations as a tool for informing policy
Weeks 2 & 3 – AI Policy Project
Small teams will each be assigned a policy question by someone with experience as a UK Government AI policy advisor.
Teams spend weeks two and three conducting desktop research and consulting with AI governance professionals and technical experts.
At the end of the third week, each team presents their policy memo to the policy advisor and receives feedback on their efforts.
*This was previously erroneously listed as £200 per week
Mentorship Programme
The Fast Track Mentorship Programme pairs students with AI governance professionals. Our mentors come from policy teams at frontier AI labs, and top think tanks like the Centre for the Governance of AI, RAND and the Ada Lovelace Institute.
This mentorship is designed to offer guidance, insight, and career development support.
Mentorship Highlights:
Career Advice: Tailored career advice from experts in AI governance
Feedback: Feedback on research projects and other relevant work
Resource Recommendations: Opportunities and resources to help progress in the field
Professional Networking: Introductions to contacts in your mentor’s network
Application Support: Guidance on writing CVs and cover letters
Mentor Matching Process: For a personalised experience, mentors and mentees will be paired based on mutual preferences and goals.
Programme Timeline
Kick-off Event (Tuesday, 25th February 2025, London): A launch event bringing together all mentees and mentors. (Travel reimbursements available)
1:1 Meetings: At least four mentor-mentee meetings will take place between February and September, either in person or online, based on mutual convenience.
Closing Event (September 2025, London): An opportunity to reconnect with other mentorship pairs to discuss any progress or updates from the previous seven months, and the official conclusion of the programme.
If you would like more information, you can see our Mentee FAQ.
Who Should Apply?
We are seeking students with exceptional potential who are passionate about engaging with emerging issues relating to frontier AI. Ideal candidates demonstrate:
A strong interest in news on AI policy developments, such as the EU AI Act or international AI summits.
Background or interests in fields such as law, politics, technology, international security, corporate governance, risk assessment, regulation, or related fields.
A desire to pursue a career in frontier AI governance, either in civil service, industry or civil society.
Application Timelines
Applications close: End of Thursday 28th November 2024 (previously 23rd November)
Second round assessments: 3rd December - 18th December 2024
Final application outcomes: 22nd December 2024
Further questions about the programme?
We’re happy to chat – feel free to contact us directly.
Further Reading & Resources
To better understand what a career in AI governance looks like, applicants are encouraged to explore resources featured on our blog.