Talos Fellowship

​The Talos Fellowship is our flagship programme aimed at launching and accelerating European policy careers focused on artificial intelligence.

At the core of our programme is a focus on ensuring the safe and responsible deployment of advanced artificial intelligence and related technologies.

Applications for the Autumn 2026 Talos Fellowship cohort are closed.

Autumn 2026 Timeline

6 March - 27 April
2026

Application period

June
2026

Fellows selected

19 August - 30 September
2026

EU AI Policy Fundamentals (online)

3- 9 October
2026

Talos Summit in Brussels

October 2026 - March 2027

Placement at Partner Organisation

The Talos Fellowship has three components:

  • Explore the intricacies of frontier AI Governance during our 8 week AI Policy Fundamentals Programme, combining weekly readings, guest speakers, and a fellowship project.

  • See here for the curriculum.

Online Reading Group

  • Engage in a 6-day in-person policymaking summit in Brussels, including:

    • Expert guest speakers discussing policy design, communications, and implementation

    • Q&As and networking events with experts at the cutting edge of AI governance

    • Practical role playing workshops

Brussels Policymaking Summit

  • All fellows develop a project during the programme, and can choose between:

    • A policy commentary or op-ed

    • A plan for a new initiative. 

  • Top projects are recognised with prizes at the end of the programme.

Fellowship Project

Online Reading Group

Our Fellowship starts with AI Policy Fundamentals, a deep-dive into the most important considerations in European AI governance today.

You’ll complete weekly readings and hear from guest speakers with subject matter expertise.

You’ll also complete a Fellowship project during the reading group. Fellows can choose between two options:

  • Write a policy commentary or op-ed on a topic of your choice to be published at the end of the programme.

  • Plan and launch a new policy initiative, with a concrete milestone achieved at the end of the programme. Selected projects may receive funding to keep working on their initiative after the Fellowship.

The full curriculum can be found here.

  • Expert predictions for advanced artificial intelligence have shortened from decades to potentially within this decade, while the scientific community is grappling with unprecedented risks that could emerge from increasingly capable AI systems.

    This week we are exploring how advanced AI capabilities are projected to evolve through continued scaling, what systemic risks these developments pose to society, and what mitigation strategies are available to policymakers.

    Sample reading
    Unresolved debates about the future of AI - by Helen Toner (2025)

  • This week we will explore the evolving landscape of AI regulation across major jurisdictions, focusing on how countries are balancing innovation imperatives with safety concerns through different regulatory philosophies.

    We'll study the spectrum from principles-based to rules-based approaches, and analyse the differences in approach between the EU, US and China.

    Sample reading
    From Principles to Rules: A Regulatory Approach for Frontier AI by Schuett et al. (2024) 

  • To understand AI governance in Europe, we need to get to know the broader digital regulatory ecosystem that preceded and shaped it.

    This week steps back from AI-specific policies to explore Europe's comprehensive digital governance strategy, including the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA).

    Sample reading
    Building CERN for AI: An institutional blueprint by Centre for Future Generations (2025). 

  • While the EU has established comprehensive AI governance through the AI Act, it now confronts the harder task of building competitive AI infrastructure and industrial capacity.

    This week examines Europe's strategic response through the AI Continent Action Plan, exploring how the EU aims to achieve technological sovereignty while maintaining its distinctive approach of trustworthy, human-centric AI aligned with democratic values.

    Sample reading
    The AI Continent Action Plan | Shaping Europe’s digital future by European Commission (2025)

  • AI has become a key battleground in global competition between major powers.

    We'll analyse how AI governance decisions are now increasingly driven by national security concerns, and explore whether export controls and technology restrictions are effective tools for managing both AI risks and international competition.

    Sample reading
    The EU's AI Power Play: Between Deregulation and Innovation by Allen & Goldston Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (2025)

  • AI governance extends far beyond national policy-making. It involves a complex ecosystem of international organisations, standard-setting bodies, civil society groups, and corporate actors who shape how AI is developed and deployed globally.

    This week we will explore who has influence beyond national governments.

    Sample reading
    What should be internationalised in AI governance? by Dennis et al. (2024) 

  • As AI technologies continue to advance, their integration into the global economy is expected to have far-reaching consequences.

    This week examines the economic impact of AI, including the potential for rapid economic growth, changes in labour markets, and the challenges posed by economic concentration.

    Sample reading
    Is AI already shaking up the labor market? — Harvard Gazette by Deming et al. (2025) 

During the application process, you choose one of three tracks:

Training Track

  • This suits those already working in AI governance who are joining primarily to deepen their knowledge and expand their network.

  • This track is completed after the online reading group, fellowship project, and summit.

Placement Track

  • This suits applicants with entrepreneurial ambition who want to realise their own project idea, and receive feedback and peer support.

  • After the online reading group, you can apply for funding to launch your initiative. Selected fellows may receive up to €3,000/month for up to 6 months.

  • Funding is awarded at Talos's discretion; it is not guaranteed upon acceptance to the fellowship.

Example initiatives include:

  • AI governance research project

  • High-level event series

  • Founding a new organisation

Incubation Track

  • This suits applicants who seek to gain practical experience in leading AI governance think tanks.

  • After the online reading group, placement fellows enter a paid 4–6 month placement at a leading AI governance organisation.

Placement organisations include:

  • The Future Society

  • OECD.AI

  • Centre for Future Generations

  • Centre for European Policy Studies

See here for more about the placement matching process.

You should apply if

  • You’re an AI expert, with a deep interest in artificial intelligence and its effects on society.

  • You’re relentless, with the skills to thrive in the fast-paced Brussels environment and produce high quality results under pressure.

  • You’re an excellent communicator, able to communicate complex concepts with a diverse range of audiences.​

  • You’re an EU citizen. We have a strong preference for candidates with EU citizenship since many of the most important roles in EU institutions are only open to EU citizens.  

  • You’ve finished your undergraduate degree. Many of our fellows hold a masters degree or PhD. We're open to exceptional applications from any subject area, with a particular focus on those with a machine learning or public policy background.

Our fellows will pursue roles ranging from politics to applied research. Given this, we accept a diverse cohort with varied expertise across technical areas, political systems and policy processes. 

If you think you have what it takes but don't meet every single point above, please apply and let us know how you believe you can bring your unique skills to the world of tech policy.

  • "The Fellowship has been an amazing opportunity"

    Niklas Clement

  • "The program gave me the support I needed to write my first AI policy brief"

    Antoine Levie

  • "Before the Fellowship, I wasn't quite sure how I fit into the AI policy space"

    Oona Lagercrantz

How to apply

Our application process comprises four stages.

01 Application

(<45 minutes)

Complete our application form. Include your CV and answer some short questions.

02 Short assignment & automated interview

(<2 hours)

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a ~60 minute assignment and a ~30 minute automated interview.

03 Live interview

(<60 minutes)

A deeper interview with a member of the Talos Fellowship team. Answer general and situational questions relevant to tech policy in a remote interview. At this stage, we will make final offers to Talos Fellows.

04 Interview with placement organisation

(<60 minutes)

If necessary, an interview will be scheduled with potential placement organisations to assess your fit with the organisation. Placement Track fellows who do not secure a placement will be moved to the Training Track.

FAQs

About

  • Europe needs people who understand frontier AI and can shape its direction. The Talos Fellowship prepares a new generation of European AI policy professionals by equipping them with deep expertise, actionable policymaking skills, and a community that lasts beyond the programme.

  • We offer three tracks – paths - from which you can choose depending on your availability, goals, and career needs:

    1. Training Track – For those with some experience in AI governance who want to deepen their knowledge and expand their network.

    2. Placement Track – In addition to training, this path provides practical experience through a placement at a leading AI governance think tank or policy organisation.

    3. Incubation Track – In addition to training, this path is for those with entrepreneurial ambitions who want to see their dream, impactful project brought to life.

  • The Talos Fellowship contains three tracks: a Training Track, a Placement Track, and an Incubation Track. You must indicate which track(s) you are interested in applying for to ensure your application is accurately assessed.

    • Training Track – Fellows on this track participate in an 8-week course on European AI Policy Fundamentals, attend a week-long policymaking summit in Brussels, and receive personalised support to launch a career in AI policy or AI governance.

    • Placement Track – Fellows on this track participate in an 8-week course on European AI Policy Fundamentals, attend a week-long policymaking summit in Brussels, and then complete a 6-month paid full-time placement at a European AI governance organisation.

    • Incubation Track – Fellows on this track participate in an 8-week course on European AI Policy Fundamentals, attend a week-long policymaking summit in Brussels, and then apply for funding to launch their initiative in part- or full-time capacity. This is assisted by up to 6 months of financial support, feedback, and peer support. A 2-month transition stipend is paid to all incubation track fellows regardless of the outcome of their project funding application.

  • The Fellowship combines remote and in-person elements:

    • European AI Policy Fundamentals Programme (all Tracks) – Remote

    • Talos Summit (all Tracks) – In-person in Brussels (attendance required)

    • Placement (Placement Track) – In-person. Most placements are in Brussels, with limited options in London, Paris, Geneva, and Stockholm. Remote placements may be considered in exceptional cases.

    • Incubation (Incubation Track): In-person in Brussels, London, Berlin, or another European AI Governance Hub, depending on the fellow’s project. We strongly encourage fellows to locate in a major hub while working on their project, as networking, ecosystem immersion, proximity to relevant institutions, and access to in-person support, mentorship, and experts are major success factors. Remote work may be considered in exceptional cases.

  • The length of the Fellowship depends on which track you are selected for:

    • Training Track – ~2 months, part-time

      • Time commitment – 10h per week during the European AI Policy Fundamentals online training, full-time during the Talos Summit week in Brussels.

    • Placement Track – ~6–8 months total

      • Includes ~2 months of part-time participation in the Training Track,

      • Followed by a 6-month, full-time, in-person placement at a partner organisation.

    • Incubation Track

      • Includes ~2 months of part-time participation in the Training Track,

      • Followed by a two-month stipend to cover the funding decision period,

      • Followed by 3-6 months of funding provided by Talos – in case the funding application was successful – where the fellow can work on their project either full- or part-time.

  • The Talos Fellowship runs twice per year.

    • Spring cohort starts in February.

    • Autumn cohort starts in August.

  • The fellowship includes both part- and full-time components:

    • European AI Policy Fundamentals Programme – Part-time (up to 10 hours/week)

    • Talos Summit – Full-time (1 week)

    • Placement (Placement Track only) – Full-time (6 months)

    • Incubation (Incubation Track only) – Part- or full-time (between 10h and 40h per week, depending on availability) for 3-6 months, if your funding application is successful.

  • It depends on the track you are on:

    • Training Track – Fellows are not offered a stipend.

    • Placement Track – Fellows receive a monthly stipend of €3,000 for placements based in Brussels. We may adjust the stipend for higher living costs for placements in other cities (e.g., Paris or London).

    • Incubation Track – Fellows receive up to €3,000/month for up to 6 months to work on their project. Fellows whose projects do not receive further funding will receive a €2,500/month stipend for two months following the fellowship (pro-rated for part-time fellows) as a financial safety net while they determine their next steps. 

      • Here are some remuneration examples for the Incubation track:

        • Fellow A applies for funding for a 20h/week project:

          • The grant application is successful – they receive 1,500€/month for up to 6 months, starting at the beginning of their project phase.

          • The grant application is unsuccessful – they receive 1,250€/month for two months, starting after the Talos Summit.

        • Fellow B applies for funding for a 40h/week project:

          • The grant application is successful — they receive 3,000€/month for up to 6 months, starting at the beginning of their project phase.

          • The grant application is unsuccessful — they receive 2,500€/month for two months, starting after the Talos Summit.

      • Please note that being admitted into the Incubation Track does not guarantee funding to work on a project for 6 months. If accepted to the Incubation Track, you will be working on a funding application throughout the programme. If it is successful, Talos Network will fund your project. 

  • Yes. All travel, accommodation, breakfast and lunch costs are fully covered.

  • You’ll engage with your cohort weekly during the online European AI Policy Fundamentals Programme and in person during the Talos Summit in Brussels. Fellows also collaborate on assignments and attend speaker events. Our alumni network arranges monthly dinners in Brussels and other European AI Governance Hubs, while we host monthly online meet-ups to discuss the placement experience and offer support.

  • Our definition of Europe includes member countries of the European Union, the UK, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Norway.

  • One of the goals of this programme is to build a strong network of policymakers working on transformative AI across the European ecosystem. Therefore, we have a strong preference for candidates with European work rights, as many of the most important roles in European institutions are open only to citizens. 

    As we do not sponsor work visas, applicants must have work authorisation in Europe, whether through citizenship, residency status, or other means. However, for Placement Track fellows, outstanding candidates who do not fulfil the above criteria may be considered, provided they intend to be physically located in Europe and are in the process of obtaining work rights here. 

    Finally, fellows completing the Training Track do not necessarily need the right to work in Europe. However, it is unlikely that candidates working in positions outside of Europe currently hold the type of role or experience the Training Track aims to serve – e.g., a main focus on European policymaking. Therefore, we generally do not accept candidates based outside Europe unless it is an exceptionally relevant opportunity.

  • The fellowship has received support from Coefficient Giving, EA Funds, and a number of independent donors. We accept general financial contributions of any amount. If you’d like to help support our work, please get in touch or donate directly here.

  • We aim to have 15 to 20 people in each cohort.

  • AI governance will shape everyone's future, so it shouldn't be built by a narrow few. Talented people from underrepresented backgrounds face real barriers to entering the field, and we are working to lower them. We strongly encourage anyone who's unsure whether they belong to apply. Once you're a fellow, we invest in your success through mentorship, support, and a strong host-organisation match.

Applications

  • Find more info at the top of this page.

  • All applicants should expect to hear whether they have progressed to the second stage of the application process ~4 weeks after the application deadline.

  • Fellows in the Spring Cohort are usually selected in February. Fellows in the Autumn Cohort are usually selected in July.

  • There is no age limit.

  • For Placement Track fellows, your current location does not matter:

    • As long as you are open to moving to Brussels or another respective location for your in-person placement, and

    • As long as you have, or can obtain, the right to work in the EU or the UK without the support of this programme (we cannot sponsor visas).

    However, please note that we are focused on European AI policy; therefore, this focus on Europe is essential for admission to the programme.

    While fellows completing the Training Track do not need to have the right to work in Europe, it is unlikely that candidates working in positions outside Europe currently hold the type of role the Training Track aims to serve. Therefore, we generally do not accept candidates who are based outside of Europe unless it is an exceedingly relevant opportunity – e.g., 2–5 years of AI lab experience or policy/lobby experience in the US or relevant middle power countries.

  • Candidates should have at least an undergraduate degree. We are open to applicants from any discipline – please do not let your academic background keep you from applying!

  • We're open to accepting fellows who are still studying and expect to graduate within six months of finishing the Talos Fellowship (all Tracks). However, we prefer candidates who have finished university and are prepared to start working full-time once the programme ends. 

  • We aim to support people who have already done some initial exploration and have a reasonable sense that AI policy could be a good fit for them. While you don't need to be certain, we expect applicants to have tested their interest through other means, such as conversations, free courses (e.g., BlueDot or ML4Good bootcamps), attending events, or volunteering in policy-relevant settings, before applying to the fellowship

  • We suggest developing your understanding of AI governance in Europe (from basic understanding of AI risks to how EU institutions work) and your motivation to pursue a career in this field.

  • Applications will be visible to the members of the Talos team and may, in some cases, be shared with trusted advisors. For Placement Track candidates, we will also share parts of your application (e.g., your CV) with your potential host organisation for their assessment.

Placements

  • All placements are at well-respected and prestigious think tanks active in European AI policy. Examples include Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) and The Future Society (TFS).​  

  • Yes, we are open to fellows who wish to arrange their own placements, provided they align with the programme's intentions. 

  • We have agreed with all placement institutions that fellows will work on relevant and interesting topics. We strive to provide fellows with useful experience to advance their careers in this area. To ensure a good fit during placements, we regularly stay in touch with past fellows and host organisations to gather feedback on their experiences. 

  • Fellows won’t be onboarded as employees by their host org; they receive their monthly remuneration as an educational stipend directly from Talos Network. In some European countries, this stipend is tax-free. We encourage you to look into your local tax obligations (see more under the “What is the legal setup of the Talos Fellowship placement?” question).

  • This fellowship is structured as an educational programme, not employment. Legally, the Fellowship is classified as public and vocational education under German charity and tax law (§ 52 AO), supported through a tax-exempt stipend under § 3 Nr. 44 EStG (Germany). 

    In most cases, this stipend is treated as tax-free income under the applicable rules in the Fellow’s country of residence. Fellows remain responsible for arranging their own health insurance; EU health insurance (EHIC) can typically be used for up to six months.

  • Stipends will be received at the end of each month during the placement. Different payment intervals are possible.

  • Many previous fellows have been hired by their host institutions. However, completing a placement does not require the host organisation to offer a job opportunity – it depends on the fellow’s fit, performance, and the host organisation’s hiring needs. In particular, placements offer you a network, community, and valuable career paths for work within European institutions.