Iliad Fellowship December 2026

The Iliad Fellowship is a three-month research programme focused on applied mathematics for AI alignment. It provides researchers with dedicated time, mentorship and financial support to develop individual research projects related to foundational AI alignment.

Participants work full-time and in person in either London or the San Francisco Bay Area. Each fellow is paired with an established research mentor and develops research of their own during the fellowship.

The programme is aimed at researchers with strong mathematical backgrounds, typically PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and researchers with equivalent experience. It is particularly relevant to applicants interested in pursuing mathematically grounded approaches to AI alignment and AI safety.

Iliad works on developing AI safety as a theoretical and experimental science and supports mathematically grounded research that can contribute to a stronger scientific foundation for the field.
The December 2026 cohort runs from 1 December 2026 to 5 March 2027.

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old by the start date of the programme.
• The fellowship is aimed at researchers with strong mathematical backgrounds.
• Typical applicants include PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.
• Researchers with equivalent experience may also be considered.
• Applicants should be interested in developing and pursuing research in applied mathematics for AI alignment.
• Participants should be able to undertake the fellowship full-time and in person.
• The December 2026 cohort is available in London or the San Francisco Bay Area.

• US$6,000 travel-and-housing allowance per month.
• Three months of full-time research.
• Individual research mentorship.
• Pairing with an established research mentor.
• Opportunity to develop an independent research project.
• In-person research experience in London or the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Dedicated time and support to pursue research in applied mathematics for AI alignment.

• CV or résumé in PDF format.
• Maximum CV/résumé file size: 4.5 MB.
• Written response explaining why you are applying.
• Written response describing your career aspirations for the next few years and how the programme fits into them.
• Written response identifying two difficult mathematical concepts you have mastered and explaining what made them difficult.
• Information about your immigration status in the UK and/or USA, as relevant.

The official programme information identifies the following characteristics in its target applicants:

• Strong mathematical background.
• Research level typically equivalent to a PhD student, postdoctoral researcher or researcher with comparable experience.
• Interest in applied mathematics for AI alignment.
• Motivation to develop and pursue research with close mentorship.
• Ability to undertake full-time, in-person research.

The application form also asks candidates to explain their career aspirations, motivation for applying and difficult mathematical concepts they have mastered.

• Work on applied mathematics connected to AI alignment and AI safety.
• Undertake an individual research project with close mentorship.
• Work alongside an established research mentor.
• Gain dedicated full-time research experience.
• Develop deeper expertise in mathematically grounded AI alignment.
• Participate in an in-person research environment in London or the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Receive financial support towards travel and housing during the fellowship.