AI Policy Lab Externships 2026 at Umeå University, Sweden
- Omran Aburayya
- Sep 10
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 11
If you’re a Bachelor’s or Master’s student—or even a recent graduate—with a strong research interest in AI and society, the AI Policy Lab Externship Program 2026 at Umeå University is now accepting your application. From January 1 to June 30, 2026, join a globally diverse cohort dedicated to exploring key challenges at the intersection of AI, governance, human rights, sustainability, education, and more . This flexible, part-time externship offers a unique platform to contribute to real-world policy research while collaborating with a vibrant international research community. Read on for details.
🎓 Externship Summary
Location: Primarily remote; optional on-site participation at Umeå University if feasible
Host Institution: AI Policy Lab, Department of Computing Science, Umeå University, led by Wallenberg Scholar Prof. Dr. Virginia Dignum
Level: Bachelor’s & Master’s students, and recent graduates
Target Group: Students in disciplines such as Computer Science, AI, Philosophy, Political Science, STS, Law, or related interdisciplinary fields
Fields of Focus:
AI Governance & Compliance
AI and Human Rights
AI, Society & Democracy
Environmental Impacts of AI
Global Coordination & Policy Harmonization
AI and Education
Duration: Six months (January 1 – June 30, 2026)
Application Deadline: 17 October 2025, 17:00 CET
Start Date: January 1, 2026
Eligible To: Global applicants with requisite academic background and strong interest in Responsible AI
📚 Externship Overview
Though named “externships,” this program functions much like a research internship. Externs will:
Conduct literature reviews and background research
Participate in workshops and short research training sessions
Contribute in group discussions and Lab seminars
Undertake independent, mentor-supported research projects
Deliver a final research output—such as a policy brief, white paper, or prototype
This unpaid, part-time program is tailored to fit around academic commitments .
🎁 Benefits
One-on-one mentorship with researchers at the AI Policy Lab
Certificate of completion recognizing your contribution
Opportunities to publish or present work via Lab channels
Hands-on experience in AI policy research methods
Networking and feedback opportunities within an international research community
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should:
Be Bachelor’s or Master’s students—or recent graduates—in relevant disciplines
Demonstrate strong interest in Responsible AI and its societal implications
Show familiarity with AI governance and policy debates
Possess excellent writing, communication, and analytical skills
Exhibit a collaborative attitude and openness to working in an international team
(Optional) Have experience conducting research and literature reviews
📝 Application Procedure
Application: Online via the official portal
Deadline: 17 October 2025, 17:00 CET
Results Announcement: Mid-November 2025
Program Dates: January 1 – June 30, 2026
Format: Remote-first with optional on-site participation (travel/accommodation at extern’s cost)
Information Session: Scheduled for mid-September 2025 (date to be confirmed)
📂 Documents to submit:
CV (max 2 pages, highlighting results and practical deliverables)
Academic transcript (unofficial accepted)
🔍 Selection will be based on motivation, topic relevance, and the ability to contribute, with emphasis on diversity in background and geography.
🚀 Why This Externship Matters
Joining the AI Policy Lab Externship means engaging at the frontier of responsible AI debates. Led by Prof. Virginia Dignum—a globally recognized figure in responsible AI and advisor to bodies like UNESCO and the UN AI Council—the Lab is an interdisciplinary hub committed to shaping AI governance that serves societal values . Your research will contribute to shaping policy, informed by cutting-edge discourse and delivered via collaborative, real-world methods.
