Humanitas Fellowship

Syntony research fellowships Applications open

Independent research in AI safety,
human rights, and human security.

The Humanitas Fellowship supports researchers studying the human consequences of AI. Projects draw on law, history, policy, social science, and technology.

Fellows pursue an independent research project over eight months, with mentoring and feedback from Syntony.

• 01
  
  Human rights

  How do AI systems affect dignity, agency, equality, and access to remedy? Research could examine harms to vulnerable populations and practical ways to protect their rights.

• 02
  
  International
  humanitarian law

  What does responsible AI use require in armed conflict? Examine accountability, civilian protection, and the implications of increasingly capable systems for humanitarian safeguards.

• 03
  
  Survivor testimony
  and archival integrity

  How can testimony remain authentic, attributable, and faithful to the people whose experiences it preserves? Explore provenance, consent, preservation, and responsible uses of AI in archives.

• 04AI misuse

  Investigate how AI could enable coercion, abuse, terrorism, or other high-consequence misuse, and which safeguards could reduce those risks.

• 05
  
  Synthetic media
  and information integrity

  How can people assess provenance, verify evidence, and preserve trust as synthetic content becomes more capable? Study disinformation, impersonation, and the reliability of the public record.

• 06
  
  Catastrophic risks

  Examine pathways from emerging AI capabilities to widespread or existential harm, and where prevention, preparedness, and institutional coordination could make a difference.

• 07
  
  Governance
  and human security

  How can institutions turn evidence about AI risk into accountable decisions? Explore international security, governance, and the protection of people and communities.

The fellowship combines independent research with mentoring, feedback, and collaboration. Each fellow works toward an original paper, policy analysis, methodological study, or other substantive research output.

You will develop a research question, agree a feasible scope and milestones, and carry out the work independently. Research should be intended for publication, with its methods, findings, and limitations clearly explained.

Mentoring and review sessions support the project as it develops. The research plan and arrangements for supervision are agreed at the outset.

A modest research stipend A modest stipend supports independent research over the full eight-month term. The amount and payment schedule are confirmed in the written offer before you accept.

Flexible, agreed scope Projects and milestones are agreed individually. The fellowship has no fixed weekly hours requirement.

Remote collaboration The fellowship is remote. International participation depends on applicable legal requirements and individual eligibility.

Clear research and publication terms Authorship, attribution, confidentiality, intellectual property, and publication plans are agreed in writing at the outset. Research involving people or sensitive testimony requires appropriate consent and safeguards.

Commercial work paid separately Client delivery and commissioned commercial work require a separate paid agreement. They are not required in exchange for the research stipend. Additional paid work is not guaranteed.

03 / Eligibility Interdisciplinary research

We welcome applicants with relevant research or practical experience in law, policy, history, archival practice, international security, the humanities, social sciences, or technical fields.

A focused research question, evidence of careful analysis, and clear written communication. Your application should explain why the question matters for AI safety and how you would investigate it.

Relevant work can include academic research, policy analysis, archival practice, technical investigations, or professional experience.

Humanitas focuses on interdisciplinary inquiry into rights, institutions, evidence, and human security. Syntony’s Engineering Fellowship focuses on technical research and research engineering for graduate students and those who have completed graduate study.