The Talos Fellowship 2026: Accelerating European AI Policy Careers

If you’re a young professional or graduate interested in combining a passion for artificial intelligence (AI) with public policy, then the Talos Fellowship 2026 is a superb opportunity you should know about. Applications are now open for the Spring 2026 cohort. The Talos Fellowship is Talos Network’s flagship programme designed to launch and accelerate European policy careers at the intersection of AI, governance, and technology. Over the course of training, immersion, and optional placement, fellows engage deeply with EU AI policy, contribute real research, and build networks in Brussels.

Below is a detailed breakdown to help you understand and apply.

🎓 Fellowship Summary

• Location: Europe / Brussels (hybrid: remote + in-person)

• Host Institution: Talos Network

• Programme Type: AI Policy / Tech Policy Fellowship (non-degree)

• Target Group: Graduates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD), early-career professionals in AI, policy, governance, or technology

• Fields of Focus: Artificial intelligence governance; EU digital policy; regulation; AI safety; geopolitics; policy implementation

• Value & Coverage:

  • Placement-track fellows: minimum €2,000/month stipend during Brussels placements

  • Brussels Summit travel, accommodation, and meals fully covered

  • Training-track fellows: may apply for a needs-based stipend (1–2 months, not guaranteed)

• Duration:

  • Training Track: ~8 weeks part-time + 1-week summit

  • Placement Track: ~6–8 months total (training + placement)

• Application Deadline: 25 October 2025

• Start Date / Key Timeline:

  • AI Policy Fundamentals (online): 28 January – 18 March 2026

  • Brussels Policymaking Summit: 21 – 27 March 2026

  • Placement: April – October 2026

  
  

📚 Fellowship Overview & Structure

The Talos Fellowship consists of three main components designed to scaffold learning, immersion, and real-world policy experience:

1. AI Policy Fundamentals (8-week online reading & learning phase): This is the backbone of the training: weekly readings, expert guest lectures, assignments, and a culminating policy brief.

   
   

   Weekly topics include:

   • Advanced AI: systemic risks and challenges

   • Regulatory approaches to AI risk

   • AI in the European digital governance framework

   • EU AI infrastructure & industrial strategy

   • Geopolitics, security, and advanced AI

   • Stakeholders beyond domestic regulators (global actors, standards)

   • AI’s economic integration

2. Brussels Policymaking Summit (1 week, in person): After the online phase, fellows convene in Brussels for immersive workshops, role-playing exercises, guest lectures, networking, Q&A sessions, and exposure to EU institutional environments.

3. Placement (4–6 months, optional / for Placement Track): For placement-track fellows, possible host organisations include:

   • The Future Society

   • OECD.AI

   • Centre for Future Generations

   • Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS)

Talos distinguishes between two tracks:

• Training Track: Focused on learning and networking, without guaranteed placement.

• Placement Track: Includes all training elements plus the longer placement.

🎁 Benefits & What’s Covered

• Stipend / Financial Support: At least €2,000/month for placement fellows; needs-based stipend for training track (if approved)

• Travel & Accommodation: Fully covered for Brussels Summit

• Professional Development: Mentorship, networking, exposure to EU institutions, and career guidance

• Publication Opportunity: Fellows produce a policy brief, published at the end of the programme

• Alumni Network: Ongoing community support and professional connections

• Career Outcomes: Alumni have moved into roles in EU institutions, think tanks, and international AI policy organisations

✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Completed or near completion of an undergraduate degree (Master’s/PhD welcome)

• Interest or background in AI, policy, or governance (any field considered if strong motivation shown)

• Strong communication and writing skills

• Ability to work under pressure and in dynamic policy contexts

• Preference for EU citizens, though exceptional non-EU candidates may apply

• Alignment with Talos’s mission of safe and responsible AI deployment

📝 Application Procedure

The selection process has four stages:

1. Online Application (< 60 minutes): Submit CV and answer short essay questions online

2. Work Sample & Automated Interview (~2 hours): A 90-minute policy task + 30-minute automated interview

3. Live Interview (< 60 minutes): Remote interview with the Talos Fellowship team

4. Placement Organisation Interview (< 60 minutes): For placement track fellows; assesses host fit

🗂️ Documents Required:

• CV / résumé

• Short essays (motivation, skills, perspective)

• Work sample (test task)

• Possibly additional writing or references

ℹ️ Tips & Useful Notes

• Highlight your unique perspective and how it contributes to AI governance

• Be familiar with EU AI regulation (AI Act, DSA, DMA, etc.)

• Prepare clear writing samples or policy reflections

• Network with past fellows and explore their shared insights

• Watch deadlines closely — the application period is short

• Nontraditional backgrounds can be an advantage if you make a strong case

🔗 Apply Now

🔗 Official Link

---