The Lisbon AI Safety Hub (LAISH) is inviting students and working professionals to apply for its Foundations of AI Safety Fellowship, an eight-week in-person programme in Lisbon, Portugal. The fellowship is designed to introduce participants to AI safety, AI risks, governance, and practical ways to contribute to safer and responsibly governed artificial intelligence.
Key facts
- The fellowship is based in Lisbon, Portugal, and runs in person for eight weeks.
- Applications opened on August 1 and close on September 30.
- The cohort is scheduled to begin on October 6.
- LAISH says no technical knowledge is required to apply.
- The programme is aimed at students and working professionals.
What does this fellowship mean for students and working professionals?
It gives participants a non-technical introduction to AI safety and related career pathways. LAISH says the programme is designed for people who want to understand the risks of advanced AI, learn about governance approaches, and identify practical ways their existing skills could contribute to the field.
According to LAISH, the fellowship may be relevant for students exploring further study or career directions, as well as working professionals considering a transition into AI safety, policy, governance, research, communications, or community-building roles.
What will participants study?
The fellowship covers four main areas: why AI safety matters, understanding the risks, governance and action, and identifying a next step. LAISH says the programme introduces participants to AI alignment, interpretability, and governance, while helping them think about how their own background could connect to work in the field.
The organisation describes AI safety as a sociotechnical issue, meaning it involves not only technical research but also policy, institutions, governance, and human decision-making. That framing shapes the fellowship’s non-technical approach.
Who is the fellowship for?
LAISH says the programme is open to students and working professionals, including people without prior technical AI training. The fellowship is especially aimed at those interested in AI governance, responsible technology, public policy, law, international affairs, communications, research, or other related fields.
The organisation also says the format is in person, so applicants should be able to participate in Lisbon for the full eight-week programme.
How do applications work?
Applications for the current cohort opened on August 1 and close on September 30. The cohort starts on October 6. Applicants can reach the Lisbon AI Safety Hub at contact@lisbonaisafetyhub.org for questions.
The fellowship is one of several ways LAISH says people can engage with its community, alongside events, lectures, career guidance, a newsletter, and a Discord community.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Foundations of AI Safety Fellowship a scholarship?
No. The programme is described as a fellowship, not a scholarship, and the provided information does not say it includes tuition funding, a stipend, or travel support.
Do applicants need technical AI knowledge?
No. LAISH says no technical knowledge is required, making the fellowship accessible to applicants from non-technical backgrounds.
