Women in AI/ML Doctoral Fellowship 2026: Empowering the Next Generation of Women Leaders in Artificial Intelligence

<p>Artificial intelligence and machine learning continue to reshape global systems — from health and climate to economics, governance, and public policy. Yet despite the transformative power of these technologies, women remain significantly underrepresented in advanced AI/ML research and leadership roles. The <strong>Women in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) Doctoral Fellowship</strong> directly addresses this gap by providing financial support, mentorship, technical collaboration, and global visibility to women PhD scholars across Sub‑Saharan Africa.</p> <p>This fellowship is designed to strengthen women’s leadership in computational research, expand access to AI/ML expertise, and support doctoral work that applies machine learning to real-world social, scientific, and development challenges. It is a unique opportunity for emerging women researchers to join a global network, access cutting-edge resources, and contribute to ethical, inclusive AI innovation.</p> <div></div> <h2><strong>About the Fellowship</strong></h2> <p>The Women in AI/ML Doctoral Fellowship supports outstanding women PhD candidates whose research integrates artificial intelligence or machine learning methodologies within the social sciences or related fields. The program is hosted in partnership with <strong>The New School</strong> and the <strong>KAIA Network</strong>, ensuring that fellows are embedded in a vibrant interdisciplinary ecosystem of AI engineers, data scientists, and social scientists.</p> <p>The fellowship aims to:</p> <ul role="list"> <li>Expand women’s participation in advanced AI/ML research</li> <li>Strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration</li> <li>Support research that applies AI/ML to societal impact</li> <li>Build a global community of women leaders in AI</li> </ul> <p>Applicants must create a <strong>KAIA Network profile</strong> and submit their application through the platform to be considered.</p> <div></div> <h2><strong>Who Should Apply</strong></h2> <p>The fellowship is open to women who meet the following criteria:</p> <ul role="list"> <li><strong>Currently enrolled in, or admitted to, a PhD program</strong> at an accredited institution in <strong>Sub‑Saharan Africa</strong></li> <li>Conducting research in any social science or related discipline, including: <ul role="list"> <li><span tabindex="-1" role="button" aria-disabled="true" data-url="ca://s?q=Learn_more_about_computer_science">computer science</span></li> <li><span tabindex="-1" role="button" aria-disabled="true" data-url="ca://s?q=Learn_more_about_engineering">engineering</span></li> <li><span tabindex="-1" role="button" aria-disabled="true" data-url="ca://s?q=Learn_more_about_economics">economics</span></li> <li><span tabindex="-1" role="button" aria-disabled="true" data-url="ca://s?q=Learn_more_about_public_health">public health</span></li> <li><span tabindex="-1" role="button" aria-disabled="true" data-url="ca://s?q=Learn_more_about_environmental_science">environmental science</span></li> <li><span tabindex="-1" role="button" aria-disabled="true" data-url="ca://s?q=Learn_more_about_sociology">sociology</span></li> <li><span tabindex="-1" role="button" aria-disabled="true" data-url="ca://s?q=Learn_more_about_demography">demography</span></li> <li><span tabindex="-1" role="button" aria-disabled="true" data-url="ca://s?q=Learn_more_about_development_studies">development studies</span></li> </ul> </li> <li>Demonstrating a clear intention to integrate <strong>AI/ML methodologies</strong> into their doctoral research</li> <li>Willing to participate actively in the KAIA Network community</li> </ul> <p>This fellowship is ideal for women who want to advance computational research, strengthen their technical skills, and contribute to impactful AI-driven solutions.</p> <div></div> <h2><strong>What the Fellowship Provides</strong></h2> <h3><strong>1. Research Funding — USD 5,000</strong></h3> <p>A one-time grant that may be used for:</p> <ul role="list"> <li>Tuition or academic fees</li> <li>Computing resources</li> <li>Data acquisition or analysis</li> <li>Mentorship support for AI/ML integration</li> <li>Fieldwork or research-related travel</li> </ul> <p>This funding is designed to remove financial barriers and accelerate the fellow’s research progress.</p> <div></div> <h3><strong>2. Technical AI/ML Collaboration via the KAIA Network</strong></h3> <p>The fellowship provides structured technical support, including:</p> <ul role="list"> <li>Matching each fellow with an <strong>AI/ML collaborator</strong> through the KAIA Network</li> <li>Access to a growing community of AI engineers, data scientists, and interdisciplinary researchers</li> <li>Capacity-building seminars and virtual workshops</li> <li>Optional technical training modules</li> <li>Increased visibility for the fellow’s research</li> </ul> <p>This ensures that fellows receive hands-on technical guidance and become part of a global AI research ecosystem.</p> <div></div> <h3><strong>3. Professional Development and Networking</strong></h3> <p>Fellows will benefit from:</p> <ul role="list"> <li>Membership in a global community of women AI/ML researchers</li> <li>Opportunities to present research through KAIA-hosted seminars</li> <li>Interdisciplinary knowledge exchange sessions</li> <li>Networking with partners such as UN agencies, universities, and civil society organizations</li> </ul> <p>These opportunities help fellows build long-term professional relationships and expand their research impact.</p> <div></div> <h3><strong>4. Knowledge Dissemination and Impact Expectations</strong></h3> <p>Each fellow is expected to:</p> <ul role="list"> <li>Produce at least <strong>one open-access research output</strong>, such as: <ul role="list"> <li>Working paper</li> <li>Dataset</li> <li>Software package</li> <li>Technical report</li> </ul> </li> <li>Publish a reflective blog post on the KAIA Network</li> <li>Share research findings through a KAIA-hosted seminar or webinar</li> </ul> <p>These outputs ensure that the fellowship contributes to global knowledge and supports open, inclusive AI research.</p> <div></div> <h2><strong>Application Requirements</strong></h2> <p>Applicants will be asked to provide:</p> <ul role="list"> <li>Email address</li> <li>Full name</li> <li>Gender identity</li> <li>Country of citizenship</li> <li>Country where their PhD institution is located</li> <li>Current doctoral status</li> <li>Name of accredited PhD institution</li> <li>Confirmation of AI/ML integration in their research</li> </ul> <p>All applications must be submitted through the <strong>KAIA Network platform</strong>.</p> <div></div> <h2><strong>Deadline</strong></h2> <p><strong>Applications close on July 31, 2026.</strong> Late submissions will not be accepted.</p> <div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For more information about this opportunity and to apply visit <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe614SuXjiH7myFr6wok0ppQgxpb86iCRH8075BL4vK9wYzBA/viewform" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></p> <p>Discover more fellowship opportunities <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=fellowship" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here </a></div> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/06/08/women-in-ai-fellowship-united-nations-institute-for-disarmament-research-unidir/">Women in AI/ML Doctoral Fellowship 2026: Empowering the Next Generation of Women Leaders in Artificial Intelligence</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>