The rules for AI are being written right now.
Will you be in the room?
The next few years are pivotal for how advanced AI will be developed and governed — and whether Europe will be a live actor in shaping that future. This programme is built for people who have spent years building expertise, credibility and networks, and who are ready to bring that experience to bear on the defining policy challenge of our time.
Your career has been building to this moment.
The programme puts experienced professionals directly in the rooms where important decisions are shaped — working with actors across European institutions, governments, industry and civil society to strengthen the governance of advanced AI.
You might be a good fit if:
- You have at least 8 years of experience in high-stakes environments — government, international organisations, think tanks, industry or academia — with a strong track record of influencing senior decision-makers.
- You're either looking to transition into AI governance, or to bring a stronger AI dimension into your existing work.
- You have relevant experience in government or safety-critical sectors and are motivated to apply it to Europe's most pressing AI governance and safety challenges.
- You're a self-starter who thrives with autonomy, has a history of creating tangible impact, and adapts in the face of uncertainty.
- You're realistic about the challenges of AI governance, but fundamentally motivated by the opportunity to help steer it well.
Built on everything you've already built.
A central focus is helping you leverage your existing network — and strengthen your European AI policy network. Every fellow leaves with strategic clarity and a well-defined career plan with concrete, actionable next steps.
Make the transition
For experienced professionals with 8+ years in policy or adjacent domains, ready to make a meaningful career transition into AI governance. A structured, funded placement makes that transition financially and practically feasible.
Sharpen your seat
For senior professionals with 12+ years of experience who want to bring a stronger, AI-safety-focused dimension into their existing role. Knowledge uplift, strategic positioning, and networks — for people who can already move the needle from where they sit.
Not sure which track fits? Get in touch at policyleaders@talosnetwork.org.
Three pillars.
Virtual European AI Policy Bootcamp
10 September – 22 October 2026 · weekly calls Thursdays 17:00–19:00 CET · ~10 hours/week, designed to fit alongside a full-time job.
Fellows split their time between self-directed work — with tailored support and accountability from the Talos team — and structured teaching, Q&As with key actors in European AI governance, and small-group discussion.
Week-long Policymaking Summit
3 – 9 October 2026 · a full-time, fully-reimbursed 6-day summit in Brussels, held mid-bootcamp.
Consistently rated the highest-value element of the programme: closed-door sessions with senior figures across EU institutions, think tanks and industry, where relationships formed online become real.
Paid placement (Placement Track)
12 months at a relevant AI-focused organisation · base compensation of €5,000/month for Brussels-based placements, adjusted for cost of living elsewhere.
Programme leads work closely with each fellow to identify the right host organisation, broker the relationship, and provide support throughout the placement year.
What else the programme offers.
- Tailored financial support depending on your needs — coworking memberships, conference attendance, career-transition funding and more
- Intensive 1-1 mentoring and career coaching from programme leads with deep networks in European AI governance
- Access to the wider Talos Network, including alumni who provide inside knowledge of organisations, roles and the ecosystem
- A curated cohort of senior peers from government, research, industry and international institutions
- Post-programme touch-points and ongoing access to the Talos network
What fellows leave with.
Access to senior policy networks
Fellows leave embedded in the European AI governance ecosystem, with trusted relationships across EU institutions, think tanks, government and industry.
Strategic positioning and role clarity
Dense one-to-one mentoring and immersive peer exchange produce a sharper view of where your expertise is most effectively deployed — and a concrete plan for next steps.
Knowledge and field literacy
Not just AI expertise, but fluency in the field itself: who the key actors are, how decisions get made, and where the most important work is happening.
Confidence, legitimacy, identity
A felt sense of belonging, the relational confidence to approach senior figures, and the decisional confidence to act on a transition that previously felt too risky.
Ready to be in the room?
Applications for the Autumn 2026 Policy Leaders Programme cohort are open now.