There is a specific kind of researcher this fellowship was built for.
Not someone who broadly wants to work in AI. Someone who thinks about AI problems mathematically. Someone who sees alignment challenges as questions that might yield to rigorous formal treatment and who has the research background in mathematics, theoretical physics or theoretical computer science to pursue that instinct seriously.
If that describes you the Iliad Fellowship is offering three spots this fall. The deadline is 21 September 2026.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | Iliad Fellowship Fall 2026 |
| Focus | Mathematical approaches to AI alignment |
| Location | London UK in person at LISA |
| Duration | 3 months |
| Spots available | 3 |
| Monthly allowance | $6000 USD travel and housing |
| Eligibility | Given Below |
| Deadline | 21 September 2026 |
What the Fellowship Involves
Fellows spend three months in person in London, based at LISA, working on a defined mathematical AI alignment project alongside an established mentor.
The mentor is not a figurehead. Project mentors are active researchers with proven track records of connecting deep mathematics with empirical machine learning. They are doing the work not just supervising it.
The scope and content of individual projects vary depending on each fellow’s research background. Every project begins a line of research in mathematical AI alignment. The intended output by the end of three months is a fully developed research proposal. It is a substantive piece of work that maps a direction rather than just summarizes existing literature.
This is not a reading group or a training program. Fellows are expected to produce something original that could anchor future research.
The Financial Package
- The fellowship provides $6,000 USD per month as a travel and housing allowance.
- The funding is available for the full 3-month fellowship.
- This allowance can cover housing and still leave money for travel and daily living expenses.
- For more experienced or senior researchers, the program may offer adjusted compensation based on their experience.
- If you have much more experience than the standard eligibility requirements, mention it clearly in your application.
- Do not assume that the standard $6,000 per month package will automatically apply to senior researchers.
Who Should Apply
The eligibility criteria are specific. Iliad is looking for:
- Researchers holding a PhD in mathematics, theoretical physics, theoretical computer science or a closely related discipline
- Postdoctoral researchers in the same fields
- Candidates with equivalent research experience in lieu of formal credentials
- More senior researchers are also welcomed. Scope and compensation adjust accordingly
The mathematical emphasis is real not decorative. This fellowship is not for researchers who want to apply existing ML techniques to new problems. It is for people whose instinct is to reach for formal mathematical tools when facing alignment questions and who have the background to do that credibly.
Candidates from pure mathematics or theoretical physics who are genuinely curious about AI alignment and want structured support to explore that intersection are particularly well positioned here.
How to Apply?
Applicants can apply online for the Iliad Fellowship Fall 2026 from the official link given below.