Impact AI Fellowship 2027 in Germany | €5,000 Stipend

The Impact AI Fellowship 2027 in Germany is a funded, ten-week research program hosted by the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG) in Berlin. Fellows examine how an AI system already in use affects people and the environment. They learn the Impact AI Method, interview people connected to the project, analyze evidence and write an assessment report.

The program brings together people working in areas such as research, journalism and public policy. It may also suit applicants who investigate how technology is used in their organization. Applicants can draw on work such as interviewing people affected by a public service or evaluating the results of a sustainability project.

Impact AI Fellowship Benefits

• €5,000 total stipend for the ten-week program. The amount includes any applicable tax or social security costs.
• Travel and accommodation support for required in-person activities. HIIG considers requests individually, depending on available funds.
• Research training and supervision through workshops, individual guidance and peer feedback.
• Lead authorship of a case report based on your assessment. HIIG also lists possible opportunities for later collaboration or publication.

Fellows normally cover their own visa, meals and health insurance. Ask HIIG about available travel or accommodation support before committing to bookings.

Who Can Apply for the Impact AI Fellowship?

HIIG welcomes people from academia, journalism, civil society, public institutions and companies. Your experience should connect to AI, sustainability or the public interest.

• Academic background. HIIG generally expects a master’s degree. Applicants can also make a case for equivalent training and experience.
• Research or professional experience. Show where you have collected evidence, investigated a problem or evaluated the impact of a project.
• Independent and collaborative work. Fellows must be able to manage their own assessment and discuss findings with the research team and other fellows.
• Availability. Attend both full-time weeks in Berlin, the preparatory session and the regular online check-ins.

The Impact AI Method guide explains how fellows use interviews and project records to examine an operational AI system. Describe a previous assessment in terms of what you investigated, which evidence you used and how it shaped your findings.

To compare research programs with different residence requirements, browse our international fellowship listings.

Required Application Documents

Combine the application documents into one file before uploading them to the online form.

• CV - Up to four pages. Highlight relevant research, professional work and skills.
• Motivation letter - Up to two pages. Explain your AI experience, your organizational background and, where relevant, why the program matters to your organization.
• AI project description - Up to two pages if you choose to propose a case. Describe the system, who uses it and what you would assess.

A proposal is optional. Fellows who need a case can ask HIIG for help finding a suitable project. For your own proposal, choose a system already in use. Explain which people or records could help you understand its effects.

Use our Europass CV guide to organize your experience and our motivation letter guide to outline your reasons for applying.

How to Apply for the Impact AI Fellowship

1. Read the official HIIG fellowship call and review the eligibility and attendance requirements.
2. Write your CV and motivation letter. Include a project description if you have a suitable AI case.
3. Put the documents in one file. Check the page limits and open the file to make sure each page is readable.
4. Open the application form on the HIIG call page during the reopening window. Complete the form and upload your file.
5. Submit by 20 November 2026 at 23:59 CET.

Note: Application update -  HIIG has paused submissions. The form reopens on 19 November 2026 at 08:00 CET and closes on 20 November 2026 at 23:59 CET. HIIG will review applications it has already received.

Before uploading your file, use our scholarship application document checklist to review the basics.

Application Deadline and Fellowship Schedule

• Reopening - 19 November 2026 at 08:00 CET.
• Final application deadline - 20 November 2026 at 23:59 CET.
• Mandatory online preparation - 11 May 2027.
• Fellowship dates - 16 August to 22 October 2027.
• Full-time attendance in Berlin - 16 to 20 August and 4 to 8 October 2027.

During the intervening weeks, fellows collect and analyze evidence, attend online check-ins and develop their assessment. The final weeks are set aside for completing the report. Outside the two Berlin weeks, fellows may arrange remote or part-time work with HIIG. Discuss the schedule early if you plan to combine the fellowship with work or study.