AI Research Centre · Woxsen University
Non-Resident Research Fellowshipin AI & Social Sciences
A four-month research fellowship for scholars exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming society, organisations, human behaviour and public policy.
Applications open 25 October 2026
At a glance
Duration
Four months
Format
Fully remote
Open to
Researchers worldwide
Basis
Honorary
Commitment
8–10 hrs / week
Admissions
Rolling basis
The Fellowship
Where AI meets the social sciences
Artificial intelligence is reshaping how people work, learn, communicate, make decisions and interact with institutions. Understanding these changes requires more than technical expertise; it requires the perspectives, methods and critical judgement of the social sciences.
The AIRC Non-Resident Research Fellowship brings early-career researchers into the work of the AI Research Centre at Woxsen University for an intensive four-month programme. Fellows develop research at the intersection of AI and the social sciences, translating their academic work into rigorous, publishable outputs relevant to researchers, policymakers, industry leaders and the wider public.
Each fellow is associated with one of the Centre’s research clusters and develops a research agenda aligned with both the Centre’s priorities and their own doctoral or postdoctoral work.
The programme is selective, prioritising research quality, methodological rigour, interdisciplinary thinking and a commitment to responsible AI research.
Who should apply?
Eligibility
The Fellowship is intended for researchers whose academic work is ready to engage with interdisciplinary, policy and industry audiences.
Academic qualification
A completed MPhil, MS or research master’s degree (18 years of education or the international equivalent), current enrolment in a PhD programme, or a completed doctorate.
Relevant discipline
A background in a field relevant to AI and the social sciences.
Publication record
At least two published pieces, such as journal articles, book chapters, conference papers, working papers, policy briefs or opinion pieces in recognised outlets.
Writing proficiency
Written English of publishable standard.
Time commitment
Availability of approximately eight to ten hours per week for four months.
What we look for
- Research questions with meaningful societal and policy implications.
- Clear, evidence-based academic writing.
- Methodological competence across qualitative, quantitative, computational, experimental or mixed-methods research.
- Interdisciplinary curiosity and the ability to communicate across technical and non-technical audiences.
- Commitment to research ethics, privacy, inclusion and responsible AI.
- Reliability and the ability to deliver agreed research outputs within the Fellowship period.
Applicants who are still completing an MPhil or hold only a taught master’s or bachelor’s degree are not currently eligible.
Relevant disciplines
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Economics
- Political science
- Public policy
- Law
- Anthropology
- Education
- Communication & media studies
- Management & organisation studies
- Philosophy & ethics
- Development studies
- Gender studies
- Information systems
- Computer or data science (with a social-science focus)
Research clusters & themes
Eight clusters. One question: how is AI changing us?
Select a preferred research cluster and, optionally, a second choice. Proposed research should align with the selected cluster; the themes below are indicative rather than exhaustive.
AI, Work and the Future of Organisations
Automation, human–AI collaboration, skills and reskilling, algorithmic management, labour markets and the changing nature of careers.
AI Governance, Ethics and Regulation
Responsible AI frameworks, regulatory approaches, accountability, transparency, standards across jurisdictions and AI in public administration.
Decision Intelligence and Behavioural Science
AI-assisted decision-making, human judgement, cognitive biases, trust, over-reliance on AI, nudging, choice architecture and behavioural economics.
AI, Education and Human Development
Generative AI in teaching and learning, assessment, academic integrity, AI literacy, equitable access and the future of higher and business education.
AI, Society and Inclusion
Algorithmic bias, fairness, gender and AI, digital divides, AI for social good, cultural and linguistic diversity, and impacts on marginalised communities.
AI, Democracy, Media and Public Discourse
Misinformation, synthetic media, platform governance, political communication, public opinion and AI’s influence on civic participation.
AI, Economy and Sustainable Development
AI and productivity, entrepreneurship, innovation ecosystems, financial inclusion, the Sustainable Development Goals and responsible management of emerging technologies.
Agentic and Physical AI in Society
The social, legal and organisational implications of autonomous AI agents, robotics and embodied AI — liability, safety, workforce integration and public acceptance.
What fellows do
Four months of focused, publishable research
Each fellow agrees a research plan with their cluster lead. The programme combines independent research, editorial development and contributions to the Centre’s ongoing work.
4,000–6,000 words
Research paper
Develop one substantial research paper for publication in the AIRC Working Paper / Policy Paper Series, working with the relevant cluster lead.
2 × 800–1,500 words
Two commentaries
One in each half of the Fellowship, addressing current developments in AI and society for academic, policy and industry audiences.
Centre research contributions
Literature reviews, research briefs, datasets, case studies or policy trackers, as agreed with the cluster lead.
Seminar presentation
Present research in progress at one or more online AIRC seminars, colloquia or roundtables.
Research check-ins
A short monthly meeting with the cluster lead and brief written progress reports at the midpoint and conclusion.
Research milestones and deadlines are agreed at the beginning of the appointment, taking account of the fellow’s academic commitments.
What the Fellowship offers
Recognition, feedback and a research home
The Fellowship is honorary and unpaid. It is designed to support researchers through meaningful research outputs, editorial feedback and institutional affiliation.
Published, citable research
A research paper and two commentaries associated with the AI Research Centre, Woxsen University, strengthening your portfolio and profile.
Research and editorial feedback
Written feedback from the AIRC Research and Editorial Committee on argument, evidence, methodology and clarity.
Affiliation and website profile
The title Non-Resident Research Fellow, AI Research Centre, Woxsen University, with a profile on the Centre’s website for the duration of the Fellowship.
Certificate and formal recognition
A Certificate of Fellowship and a letter from the Director of AIRC outlining your role and published outputs on successful completion.
Networking and engagement
Present at AIRC seminars and webinars, and be considered for invitations to Centre conferences, workshops and industry dialogues.
Opportunities for further research
Develop your work into a journal manuscript. Co-authorship, edited volumes and case-study projects with AIRC faculty may also be considered, subject to normal review.
An interdisciplinary community
Connect with researchers from different disciplines and institutions working on emerging questions at the intersection of AI and society.
Application requirements
What to submit
Applicants must submit a complete application containing the following documents.
- 1
Research proposal
1,000–1,500 words
Research question, relevance to the selected cluster, methodology, expected contribution and a four-month work plan.
- 2
Statement of purpose
Max. 500 words
Your motivation, fit with the Fellowship and intended use of the research outputs.
- 3
Curriculum vitae
Max. 3 pages
Academic background, research experience and a list of publications.
- 4
Writing sample
Published or near-final
One piece of writing, preferably single-authored.
- 5
Proof of qualification or enrolment
Document
Evidence of the completed degree or current PhD enrolment.
- 6
Academic referee
One referee
Details of one academic referee, preferably your research supervisor.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Important dates
25 Oct 2026
Applications open
Submit the online application with all required documents.
Rolling
Review in batches
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed in batches.
Within 6 weeks
Shortlisting
The Centre aims to contact shortlisted applicants within six weeks of a complete application.
30 minutes
Online interview
With the cluster lead; your referee may be contacted.
4 months
Fellowship
Begins with an onboarding meeting and an agreed research plan.
Selection process
Applications are reviewed in batches by the AIRC Research Committee and the relevant cluster lead. Five stages take you from application to onboarding.
- 1
Application
Submit the online application form with all required documents and supporting information.
- 2
Review
The Research Committee and cluster lead assess the writing sample, proposal, methodological soundness and alignment with the cluster.
- 3
Interview
Shortlisted applicants are invited to a 30-minute online interview. The academic referee may be contacted at this stage.
- 4
Offer
Successful applicants receive an appointment letter outlining the agreed research plan, outputs and schedule.
- 5
Onboarding
An introductory online meeting covering research and editorial standards, ethics, the publication calendar and first activities.
Terms & conditions
Before you apply
The Fellowship is honorary and unpaid. It does not provide a stipend, salary, travel or visa support and does not create an employment relationship with Woxsen University.
The Fellowship is entirely remote. Fellows work from their own locations, and all meetings and seminars take place online.
The standard appointment lasts four months. Extensions may be agreed mutually, and an appointment may end early if agreed outputs are not delivered.
Fellows retain copyright in their work and grant the AI Research Centre, Woxsen University, a non-exclusive right to publish and disseminate it.
All outputs must comply with AIRC’s research, editorial and ethics standards. Views expressed in publications are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Centre or University.
Research involving human participants or personal data must comply with applicable research ethics and data protection requirements, including ethics approval where required.
The use of generative AI tools in research or writing must be disclosed and comply with AIRC’s responsible AI use policy. Fellows remain accountable for the accuracy and originality of their work.
The Fellowship title may be used only in connection with work undertaken during the appointment and only for the duration of the Fellowship.
Fellows must disclose affiliations or funding that could reasonably be perceived as a conflict of interest with their AIRC work.
FAQ
Questions about the Fellowship
The essentials on eligibility, commitment, outputs and recognition.
- No. The Fellowship is honorary and unpaid. It provides research and publication opportunities, editorial feedback, institutional affiliation and formal recognition upon successful completion, but no salary, stipend or expenses.
- Yes. The Fellowship is fully remote and open to eligible researchers worldwide. All research meetings, seminars and programme activities take place online.
- The standard duration is four months, with approximately eight to ten hours of commitment per week.
- Yes. Applicants are encouraged to develop research that builds on their doctoral or postdoctoral work, provided it aligns with the objectives of the selected AIRC research cluster.
- Applicants must have at least two published pieces. These may include journal articles, book chapters, conference papers, working papers, policy briefs or opinion pieces in recognised outlets.
- One 4,000–6,000-word research paper and two commentaries of 800–1,500 words each, contributions to agreed Centre research activities, participation in at least one online seminar and scheduled progress check-ins.
- Yes. A Certificate of Fellowship and a letter from the Director of AIRC outlining your role and published outputs will be provided upon successful completion.
- No. The Fellowship research paper is intended for the AIRC Working Paper / Policy Paper Series. Fellows may subsequently develop their work for consideration by a peer-reviewed journal, subject to that journal’s normal review process.
- Applications are scheduled to open on 25 October 2026 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Still have questions? Write to us at airc@woxsen.edu.in.
Apply for the Fellowship
Ready to research how AI is reshaping society?
Join the AI Research Centre at Woxsen University and develop research that connects academic inquiry with emerging societal, organisational and policy challenges.
Enquiries
airc@woxsen.edu.inPeople | Ideas | Impact
