Black in AI Safety and Ethics (BASE) Fellowship 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
If you are a member of the Black diaspora or interested in contributing to safe, inclusive and human‑centred artificial intelligence (AI) systems, then the Black in AI Safety and Ethics (BASE) Fellowship is a noteworthy opportunity. It is designed to elevate Black representation and leadership in AI safety, governance and security.
🎓 Fellowship Summary
Location: Remote (virtual) — global eligibility for Black diaspora participants.
Organizer: Black in AI Safety and Ethics (BASE) — a community‑initiative focused on increasing Black representation in AI safety and ethics.
Programme level: Fellowship (non‑degree, professional development)
Target group:
Black researchers, professionals, students and learners worldwide with interest in AI safety, ethics, governance or security.
Individuals who wish to be part of a global pipeline of Black talent in AI alignment, governance and security.
Fields of focus: AI safety, governance, security, human‑centred AI systems, equity in AI development.
Duration: 12 weeks (part‑time, remote) — consisting of a 4‑week immersive training phase followed by an 8‑week mentored project work phase.
Application deadline / Start date: Programme is tentatively launching April 2026. The “Expression of Interest” form is already open for mentors and fellows.
🌐 Programme Overview
The BASE Fellowship is structured to empower Black voices and equip them with knowledge, skills and networks essential for leadership in AI safety and ethics. Its mission reads: to build a global community that connects, educates and empowers Black researchers, professionals, students and learners to shape the development of safe, equitable, human‑centred AI systems.
🧩 Curriculum & Activities
First 4 weeks: Immersive training phase — participants engage with foundational concepts in AI safety, ethics, governance frameworks, security, algorithmic bias, human‑centred design.
Next 8 weeks: Mentored project work — fellows apply their learning to a project in AI safety/governance/security under the guidance of mentors.
Mentorship: Experienced professionals across AI safety, infosec, governance will mentor the fellows, aiding in research development, network building and career pathways.
Remote format: The fellowship is part‑time and remote, allowing participants from around the world to engage without relocation.
Through these components, the programme aims to produce a cohort of fellows who are not only technically literate but also socially conscious about the broader implications of AI and equipped to contribute to policy, governance, design and ethics.
🎁 Programme Benefits
Access to specialist training in the rapidly evolving domain of AI safety, ethics and governance — an area of growing importance globally.
Mentorship and professional network building: the chance to be guided by professionals in AI safety/governance and connect with a global community.
Project‑based experience: 8‑week mentored project allows hands‑on application of learning and potentially a tangible deliverable or research output.
Visibility and leadership: by participating, fellows may enhance their profile, contribute to under‑represented voices in AI, and position themselves in leadership or research roles.
Community impact: being part of a programme committed to equity in AI allows participants to align personal aspirations with broader systemic change — influencing how AI serves society.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should ensure they meet the following criteria
Identify as Black (in the sense of the Black diaspora) or come from the Black diaspora globally.
Demonstrated interest in AI safety, governance, ethics, security, or related fields. The application asks why the applicant wants to be a BASE fellow and how they envision contributing to inclusive/responsible AI.
Available to commit to a 12‑week, part‑time remote programme (4 weeks training + 8 weeks project).
Willing to engage with mentoring, networking events, community building, and be part of a global cohort.
(Optional but likely beneficial) Some background in AI, data science, security, policy or related discipline — though the programme may be inclusive of early‑career learners.
📝 Application Procedure
Visit the BASE Fellowship website
Submit an Expression of Interest form: typically you will provide your name, email, LinkedIn or website, and respond to a prompt such as “Why do you want to be a BASE Fellow, and how do you envision the fellowship helping you contribute to more inclusive and responsible AI?”
If shortlisted, you may proceed to full application (which may include CV/resume, statement of motivation, etc.). The full application details may be released closer to launch.
Wait for selection notification; enrolment will begin when fellowship starts (April 2026 tentative).
👌🏻 Tips for Applicants
Clearly articulate your interest in AI safety, governance and ethics — explain how your background, perspective, or goals align with the mission of BASE.
Demonstrate how your participation can contribute both to your personal growth and to building inclusive, equitable AI systems (not just your own benefit).
Highlight any relevant experience (even if informal) in technical, policy, security or ethics work in AI or related fields.
Be ready to commit to the timeframe and format (12 weeks, part‑time, remote) and show that you have capacity to engage meaningfully.
Prepare your CV and motivation statement well in advance — space to emphasise collaboration, mentorship, global community engagement.
Use this fellowship to position yourself for future roles in AI governance, safety research or leadership in tech ethics. Consider how you will leverage the experience beyond the programme.
Stay updated: since launch is tentative April 2026, monitor the BASE website for final application deadlines, selection criteria and timetable.