The Stanford University Ethics and Technology Fellowship 2026 invites applications from mid-career professionals who are passionate about shaping the future of technology through ethical innovation. Building on the success of its inaugural pilot in 2024-2025, Stanford Ethics & Technology Fellowship 2026 offers 12-15 fellowships for professionals globally, providing a unique opportunity to combine practical experience, project funding, and mentorship from leading experts in technology, civil society, and government. Fellows will explore pressing ethical questions and societal challenges in emerging technologies while developing leadership skills and professional networks.

The program runs from January to December 2026, with an application deadline of November 14, 2025. Fellows will engage in project-based work that challenges conventional approaches to ethics in technology, producing meaningful outputs and contributing to the global conversation around responsible innovation.

About Stanford University

Stanford University, located in California, USA, is a world-leading institution renowned for excellence in research, technology, and innovation. Ranked consistently among the top universities globally, Stanford fosters interdisciplinary collaboration across its numerous centers, including the Institute for Human-Centered AI, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, and the McCoy Family Center for Ethics in Society. Fellows benefit from direct access to faculty, research programs, and an extensive professional network.

Stanford Ethics & Technology Fellowship 2026 Overview

The Ethics and Technology Practitioner Fellowship is designed for mid-career professionals from various domains of applied ethics and technology development. The program supports projects that address societal harms, ethical dilemmas, and emerging challenges in technology, focusing on practical impact rather than academic research.

Key Highlights

• Fellowship duration: 12 months (January–December 2026)
• Number of fellowships: 12–15
• Location: Non-residential, global participation
• Financial support: $15,000 stipend, plus funded travel to Stanford for introductory and concluding convenings
• Mentorship: Guidance from Stanford faculty, visiting experts, and program alumni
• Project focus: Practical ethical solutions impacting technology deployment, policy, and societal norms

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates are expected to meet the following requirements:

• Mid-level professionals active in technology companies, non-profits, government, think tanks, or research organizations
• Expertise in a relevant field, including technical knowledge or understanding of decision-making and incentives
• Collaborative, energetic, and impact-driven, with a vision to shape ethical technology
• Ability to participate in both the introductory and concluding convenings at Stanford

Project Scope and Deliverables

Fellowship projects may include one or more of the following:

• Written outputs: Policy papers, model legislation, op-eds, blogs, petitions, open letters
• Media outputs: Online tools, platforms, apps, websites, or multi-media content
• Stakeholder engagement: Professional networks, conferences, deliberative bodies, or communities of practice

Projects must align with one of three contexts:

• Organizational level: Norms or internal policies at companies, non-profits, or government agencies
• Field level: Improving practices for peer professionals
• Public policy level: Lobbying, advocacy, or policy initiatives

2026 Fellowship Themes

Fellows may interpret this year’s themes creatively, addressing real-world ethical challenges in technology:

• Meritocracy in the age of automation
• Bridge frameworks amidst polarization
• Efficient gratification, health, and well-being
• Overlooked populations in emerging technologies

Financial Support

The fellowship provides comprehensive support to enable project completion:

• Stipend: $15,000 for the year, disbursed in three stages
• Travel costs: Paid for the week-long introductory and concluding convenings at Stanford
• Mentorship access: Ongoing guidance from faculty and alumni
• Stanford resources: Access to facilities and centers for project development

Application Process

Applicants must complete a written application detailing their background, qualifications, and proposed project:

• Resume/CV and description of professional experience
• Project proposal aligning with the program’s categories and short answer prompts
• References: Two required; one senior (superior or mentor) and one junior (direct report or mentee)
• Selection is competitive and based on professional experience, ethical impact, and alignment with program themes

Application Deadline: November 14, 2025

Global Comparison

Fellowship	Location	Eligibility	Stipend	Duration	Focus
Stanford Ethics and Technology Practitioner Fellowship	USA (Non-residential)	Mid-career professionals globally	$15,000	12 months	Applied ethics in technology, project-based
MIT Technology & Ethics Fellowship	USA	Mid-career professionals	$18,000	12 months	Ethics, AI, innovation management
Oxford Internet Institute Fellowship	UK	Early-to-mid career professionals	£12,000	12 months	Digital ethics, public policy, AI
ETH Zurich AI & Society Fellowship	Switzerland	Researchers and practitioners	CHF 20,000	12 months	AI ethics, societal impact

This comparison highlights Stanford’s practitioner-focused approach, combining mentorship, project funding, and flexible participation for global professionals.

FAQs About Stanford Ethics & Technology Fellowship 2026

1. Can I apply if I am not in the USA?
   Yes. The fellowship is non-residential, accepting mid-career professionals worldwide.
2. What kind of projects are accepted?
   Projects must be applied and impact-driven, such as policy papers, media outputs, or stakeholder engagement initiatives. Academic research is not accepted.
3. How much funding is provided?
   A $15,000 stipend, along with paid travel to Stanford convenings.
4. Can early-career professionals apply?
   No. The program targets mid-career professionals with substantial practical experience.
5. Are there thematic constraints?
   Yes. Projects should align with 2026 themes: meritocracy, bridge frameworks, well-being, and overlooked populations.
6. Do I need references for Stanford University Ethics & Technology Fellowship 2026?
   Yes. Two references: one senior and one junior professional.
7. Is the fellowship residential?
   No. It is non-residential, with two short visits to Stanford.
8. Can projects be team-based?
   Yes, as long as there is a primary fellow responsible for deliverables.
9. Are all applicants guaranteed mentorship?
   Yes. All fellows receive guidance from faculty, alumni, and program mentors.
10. What is the final output expectation?
    A deliverable aligned with project scope: written, media, or engagement-focused outputs.

This Stanford Ethics and Technology Practitioner Fellowship 2026 is a unique opportunity for professionals worldwide to advance ethical technology while receiving mentorship and funding. Apply before November 14, 2025, to join this global cohort of impact-driven fellows. APPLY NOW. Follow the official page of Stanford University for further information.

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