Governments and institutions are adopting AI, digital public infrastructure and data driven tools faster than many leaders can keep up. The DSA Cambridge Fellowship equips the people who will shape how those tools are governed.
Delivered by The Digital Statecraft Academy and supported by the Centre for Science and Policy (CSaP) at the University of Cambridge plus partners including Microsoft, Cambridge University Press, The GovLab at NYU, Data for Policy CIC and the Centre for Digital Public Infrastructure (CDPI) this 12 month program focuses on responsible leadership in the algorithmic age.
DSA Cambridge Fellowship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | DSA Cambridge Fellowship 2027 |
| Organiser | The Digital Statecraft Academy (DSA) |
| Duration | 12 months, hybrid |
| Host connection | University of Cambridge (CSaP support) |
| Focus | Technology, governance and public policy |
| Deadline | 14 September 2026 |
| Application | Online form |
What the Programme Covers
Fellows explore four core domains:
- Digital Public Infrastructure — foundational systems that improve public service delivery and institutional capacity
- Algorithmic Governance — opportunities and risks of AI and automated decision-making in public institutions
- GovTech — digital innovation that raises efficiency, transparency and citizen engagement
- Data for Policy — using data, analytics and evidence to strengthen policy design
What Fellows Receive
- Strategic leadership development for governing emerging technologies
- Practical understanding of AI, digital systems and data governance
- Access to leading academics, policymakers and technology practitioners
- Hybrid learning sessions and workshops
- Exclusive week-long residential training in Cambridge
- Mentorship and guided development of an applied capstone project
- Opportunities for global visibility, including presentation platforms
- Publication pathway support from Cambridge University Press
- Certificate of completion issued by DSA
- Membership of the DSA Alumni Network after the programme
The structure is designed to fit alongside full-time professional roles, with an expected commitment of roughly 30 hours per quarter outside the intensive residency week. Also see SEAOHUN ASEAN One Health Climate Fellowship Fully Funded
Who Should Apply
The fellowship targets senior and emerging leaders from:
- Government and public institutions
- Academia
- International organisations
- Relevant industry and third-sector roles
Ideal candidates show leadership experience or significant academic contributions, a commitment to public value and ethical governance, and interest in evidence-informed decision-making. Professionals who influence strategy, policy or public-sector transformation are especially encouraged.
Applications are welcomed from a wide range of disciplines — policy, law, social sciences, computer science, data science and related fields. Strong English proficiency is required. Individual applications only; group submissions are not accepted.
Programme Structure
The 12-month hybrid experience typically moves through four phases:
- Foundation and network building
- Intensive in-person Cambridge residency (workshops, peer dialogue, expert engagement)
- Individual project development with mentorship
- Project delivery, assessment and transition into the alumni network
Fellows develop a tangible output such as a policy framework, brief, prototype or implementation plan tied to their own institutional context.
How to Apply for DSA Cambridge Fellowship 2027
Applications for the 2027 cohort close on 14 September 2026.
Apply through the official form linked from the Digital Statecraft Academy website:
https://digitalstatecraft.academy/
Typical materials required (confirm on the current application page) i[nclude a short CV, motivation statement, project proposal and supporting materials such as responses to programme questions and an introductory video.
Questions can be sent to office@digitalstatecraft.academy.