Applications are open for the Iliad Fellowships in Applied Mathematics for AI Safety - Fall 2026 - three mentored research fellowship iterations exploring mathematical approaches to AI alignment, with a USD $6,000/month travel-and-housing allowance.
Fellows spend 3 months full-time in person (London at LISA by default, or SF Bay Area) building a research proposal with established math/AI-alignment mentors. One common application covers Intensive and Fellowship cohorts. Nearest listed deadline still relevant for many applicants: 21 September 2026 (November cohort); December cohort closes 19 October 2026.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the official Iliad announcement. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - Iliad Fellowships Fall 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Iliad Fellowship - Applied Mathematics for AI Alignment / AI Safety |
| Organiser | Iliad (iliad.ac) |
| Format | 3 months, full-time, in-person mentored research |
| Locations | London, UK (LISA by default) or SF Bay Area, USA |
| Allowance | USD $6,000 per month travel-and-housing allowance |
| Focus | Mathematical AI alignment / applied mathematics for AI safety |
| Deliverable | Fleshed-out research proposal + pathway to continued funding/roles |
| October cohort deadline | 31 August 2026 (may be closed - confirm on official site) |
| November cohort deadline | 21 September 2026 |
| December cohort deadline | 19 October 2026 |
| Official page | iliad.ac/fellowship |
| Apply | Common Iliad application form |
Fall 2026 Fellowship Iterations
| Cohort | Dates | Apply by |
|---|---|---|
| October 2026 | 5 October - 18 December 2026 | 31 August 2026 |
| November 2026 | 2 November 2026 - 5 February 2027 | 21 September 2026 |
| December 2026 | 1 December 2026 - 5 March 2027 | 19 October 2026 |
All iterations: London or Bay Area; $6,000 USD/month travel-and-housing allowance.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Conduct mentored technical research in mathematical AI alignment for ~3 months
- Work with established mentors who connect deep mathematics with empirical ML
- Build on your existing research background to open a new applied-math AI-alignment direction
- Produce a fleshed-out research proposal as the main deliverable
- Receive guidance to submit proposals to funders (e.g. Coefficient Giving, Survival and Flourishing Fund, Schmidt Sciences, UK AISI) for an additional 6 - 24 months - or pursue AI alignment research roles
Who Should Apply
Competitive applicants are typically:
- PhD or postdoctoral researchers in mathematics, theoretical physics, theoretical computer science, or a closely related field
- Or candidates with equivalent substantial research experience (credentials are not a hard requirement)
- Researchers capable of largely self-directed work who want to pivot into professional applied-mathematical AI alignment research
More experienced researchers are also welcome - Iliad notes scope and compensation can be tailored. If unsure about fit, they encourage you to apply.
Note: The Iliad Intensive (4-week taught course) is a different programme and a recommended but not required pathway into the Fellowship.
Funding
- USD $6,000 per month travel-and-housing allowance for the fellowship period
- In-person programme support in London or the Bay Area
- Post-fellowship help connecting with philanthropic funders and AI alignment research pathways
How to Apply
- Read the full overview on iliad.ac/fellowship.
- Confirm which Fall 2026 cohort dates fit your timeline.
- Complete the single common Iliad application (covers Intensive and Fellowship iterations; first stage is designed to be quick).
- Submit before the relevant cohort deadline - e.g. 21 September 2026 for November, 19 October 2026 for December.
Official Links
Apply - Iliad Fall 2026 Fellowships
Programme overview - Iliad Fellowship
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- Browse all fellowships
FAQs - Iliad Fellowships Fall 2026
How much is the allowance?
USD $6,000 per month for travel and housing during the 3-month fellowship.
Where does it take place?
In person - choice of London, UK (often at LISA) or the SF Bay Area, USA.
Do I need a PhD?
PhD/postdoc (or equivalent research experience) is the competitive profile, but substantial research experience without those credentials is also welcomed.
Is the Intensive required?
No, but it is recommended for many applicants as a foundational entry point.
What is the next deadline?
Confirm on the official page. As listed: 21 September 2026 (November cohort) and 19 October 2026 (December cohort). October cohort applications closed 31 August 2026.
Can one application cover multiple cohorts?
Yes. A single common Iliad form covers Intensive and Fellowship iterations.
