AI Sentience Scholars

At the frontier of AI, consciousness, and society.

The program supports early-career researchers investigating questions at the intersection of AI, consciousness, and ethics. Through global collaboration and rigorous, empirically grounded inquiry, it builds capacity to critically and responsibly navigate the scientific and societal implications of increasingly capable intelligent systems.

Applications for the 2026 cohort will open soon.

APPLICATIONS OPENING SOON

Emerging Intelligence.
Global Responsibility.

The AI Sentience Scholars program is a 6-month, part-time, remote research and training program for early-career researchers interested in empirically grounded, interdisciplinary approaches to questions raised by AI sentience.

Scholars develop mentored research projects while engaging with conceptual foundations, ethical frameworks, and real-world implications of advanced AI systems.

Eligibility

  • Small, selective cohort (~8–10 scholars)

  • Early-career researchers (Master’s level to early postdoc)

  • Background in AI / computer science, cognitive science, neuroscience, philosophy, ethics, or related fields

  • Skills aligned with the selected curated project

  • Interest in AI sentience, consciousness, ethics, or governance

Program Components

  • Remote, mentored applied research project
  • Virtual workshops and seminars for interdisciplinary skill-building
  • Publication and public showcase
  • Cohort in-person convening
  • Eligibility to apply for up to $8,000 USD in research support, including stipends and project costs

Time Commitment

The program runs from June to December 2026 and is part-time, requiring approximately 8 hours per week, including:

  • Independent research work 
  • Regular, virtual mentor meetings (weekly or bi-weekly)
  • Participation in synchronous, virtual program activities, such as workshops and seminars
  • Contribution to shared program outputs

View available research projects

Project timeline

  • March 2026Applications Open

    The call for scholars opens. Applicants can browse available research projects and submit their application.

  • 28 April 2026Application Deadline

    Applications close at 23:59 Anywhere on Earth – AoE

  • May-June 2026Application Reviews & Scholars Selection

    Mentors review applications and candidates are notified.

  • June 2026Onboarding & Program Kick-off

    Program Kick-off meeting, introductory sessions and community onboarding.

  • July-November 2026Mentored Research Projects & Training

    Project alignment. Scholars conduct mentored research and participate in regular workshops and discussions.

  • November-December 2026In-person Convening & Advanced Workshops

    Continued project work, in-person meeting and interdisciplinary sessions.

  • December 2026Final Outputs & Evaluation

    Completion of research projects, written outputs, and final presentations.

Partners & supporters

Funded by Longview Philanthropy and developed in partnership with the Institute of Neuroethics (IoNx) and The Partnership for Research into Sentient Machines (PRISM).

Frequently Asked Questions

1Who can apply?
The program is open to researchers from Master’s level onward, including Master’s students or graduates, PhD candidates, and early-career postdoctoral researchers.
2Where do I need to be located?
The program is virtual and fully remote besides the in-person convening event. It is open to everyone globally.

Neuromatch is a US-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is therefore required to comply with US sanctions regulations administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). As a result, we are currently unable to accept applications from individuals based in the following locations: Cuba, Syria, and Crimea. We are currently pending renewal of our OFAC sanctions exemption that would allow us to enroll scholars based in Iran. We strongly encourage Iranian applicants to apply. We will provide timely updates on whether we are able to deliver programming to participants based in Iran for this year’s program.
3Is there a limit on years since PhD completion?
For applicants who have completed a PhD, eligibility is typically limited to within 7 years of PhD award. Career breaks (e.g. parental leave, medical leave, caregiving, or other significant life events) are taken into account and may extend this window.
4Do I need to have completed a Neuromatch Academy course to apply?
No. Completion of a Neuromatch Academy course is not required to apply to the AI Sentience Scholars Program. Applicants from diverse training backgrounds are welcome, provided their skills align with the requirements of the selected curated project.
5What language is the program conducted in?
The program is conducted entirely in English. Applicants should be comfortable working and communicating in English.
6What is the expected time commitment?
Participants are expected to commit approximately 8 hours per week for the duration of the program (~ 6 months).
7What are the expected outputs of the program?
Participants are expected to contribute to a research project, a written output, and a final presentation.
8What if I am unsure I can complete all components?
Applicants are asked to self-assess their confidence in completing the program. This information is used to support appropriate selection and mentoring, not to penalize honest responses.

Have more questions? Please email the Neuromatch team at aischolars@neuromatch.io

Discover if the AI Sentience Scholars program is right for you.

Explore the program at our 1 April webinar.
Applications close on 28 April.

Join our information webinar to learn whether the program aligns with your research interests and goals. You’ll get a walkthrough of the program structure, mentorship, project options, and the selection process.

Register for 1 April webinar
Read the full program description
APPLICATIONS OPENING SOON