Individual Fellows: We seek senior or emerging leaders who demonstrate

• Strong professional or academic experience in data science, AI, public policy, or governance
• Current or emerging leadership positions with clear potential for institutional impact
• Influence and authority to pioneer data-driven transformation in their organizations and regions
• Vision for transformation that extends beyond their immediate role

Institutional Partners: We welcome organisations that

• Nominate and sponsor high-potential leaders from their ranks
• Commit to implementing fellowship-derived recommendations
• Offer expertise and resources to the broader fellowship community
• Champion responsible digital transformation in their sectors

Strategic Collaborators: We invite institutions seeking to

• Co-develop curriculum for emerging challenges at the interface of data/AI and governance/policy
• Provide real-world case studies and implementation opportunities
• Offer sponsorship opportunities for applications from underrepresented regions and communities
• Offer research collaboration and publication partnerships
• Build global networks for digital transformation excellence

Tailored branding and promotion opportunities will be available for sponsors.

Application & Terms

Applications are currently open for the inaugural Class of 2026 commencing on January 5th. 

Candidates will be required to submit following information: 

1. CV (max 2-pages) including contact information for three referees
2. Motivation Statement (1 page)
3. Fellowship Questions (3-5 questions) that represents candidate Fellow’s interests for tailored networking meetings. 
4. Project proposal (1 page) summarising initial thinking about the primary output candidate Fellow aims to develop and deliver in Q4 of the programme. 
5. An introductory video – max 3 mins. 
6. Confirmation of availability to travel to Cambridge, UK, for the residential training component
7. Funding information
8. Letter(s) of Institutional support (if applicable)

* Fellows must have a strong command of English suitable for academic and professional settings.

How Fellows are Elected

The Fellowship is highly selective, admitting only a small number of exceptional participants to each cohort.

• Selection is based primarily on individual merit and the quality of each applicant’s proposal. Programme hosts also take into account the diversity of skillsets, disciplines, sectors, and geographic backgrounds represented in the final group.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so earlier submissions are encouraged.
• If further information is needed to assess an application, candidates may be contacted for clarification or additional details before a final decision is made.
• Every application is evaluated with equal rigor and according to the same high standards, ensuring a process that is both principled and competitive.

Enrolment Fees & Expenses

• Full programme participation fees for individual fellowship is determined as £9,750 + VAT including Cambridge residency, training materials and ongoing support.
• Fellows will be required to clarify funding status at the time of application. The enrolment fee is payable before the Fellowship commences.
• If applicable – Fellows will be responsible to secure their UK visa and make their own travel arrangements for the week-long Cambridge residency.
• If applicable – Fellows will be responsible to secure any financial and institutional support to deliver their primary regional projects.
• There are no scholarships available at this time.

Fellows will develop skills in following areas over the 12-months integrated programme: 

• Strategic Leadership for the AI Era – Master cutting-edge frameworks for governing AI and data in the public interest. Develop the strategic vision and change management skills to lead digital transformation whilst preserving democratic values.
• Technical Fluency Across Four Critical Domains – Build expertise in Digital Public Infrastructure, Data-for-Policy, Algorithmic Government/Governance, and GovTech. Gain practical skills to make informed technology decisions and implement evidence-based policy innovations.
• Implementation Capabilities That Drive Results – Transform vision into action through rigorous project methodologies, stakeholder engagement strategies, and crisis decision-making skills. Design, pilot, and scale policy innovations that create measurable impact.
• Global Network of Influence – Join an exclusive international community of data and AI governance leaders. Access ongoing collaboration opportunities with Cambridge networks and fellow practitioners worldwide.
• Recognised Expertise and Platform – Earn a Certificate from the prestigious DSA Cambridge Fellowship Programme. Gain publication opportunities and platform to present at international conferences.
• Ready-to-Implement Project – Graduate with a fully-developed policy innovation project, tested methodologies, and the partnerships needed for successful implementation in Fellows’ home context.

Following the completion of the programme, Fellows will emerge as globally-recognised leaders equipped with strategic vision, technical knowledge, and implementation capabilities to drive transformational change in public institutions worldwide.