When an AI tool says it helps society or protects the environment, who checks the claim? The Impact AI Fellowship 2027 gives you a way to find out. You spend ten weeks assessing one real AI application. Then you lead a case report that shares your findings. The programme is run by the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG) in Berlin.
You do not need to be a full-time academic. Journalists, researchers and practitioners can apply. Much of the work can be done remotely. But two workshop weeks in Berlin are fixed.
Last Information Checked: 22 October 2026
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
| Fellowship | Impact AI Fellowship 2027 |
| Host | Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG) |
| Location | Berlin, Germany with remote research periods |
| Length | Ten weeks from 16 August to 22 October 2027 |
| Stipend | 5000 euros for the whole fellowship |
| Education | Master’s degree required |
| Academic publications | Not required |
| Berlin workshop weeks | 16 to 20 August and 4 to 8 October 2027 |
| Deadline | 15 January 2027 |
| Application fee | Not stated |
What the Fellowship Is
Many projects say they use AI for good. Few are checked by an outside team. This fellowship trains you to do that check. You follow one AI application that is already in use. You compare what it promises with what it really changes for people, society and the environment.
The programme belongs to the Impact AI research project at HIIG. HIIG welcomes applicants from academia, journalism, civil society, public institutions and companies that work on AI sustainability or the public interest.
The Impact AI Method
The Impact AI Method is a way to measure the effects of AI systems that are already running. It does not look at research projects or prototypes. It uses seven steps and 25 criteria. It looks at sustainability the public interest, human rights and democratic values.
HIIG works with Greenpeace Germany and Economy for the Common Good on the method. It studies about three cases each year. The first cases explore how organisations use AI to support democratic processes.
How the Ten Weeks Work
Learn. You study how HIIG assesses AI systems. You join workshops and get expert guidance.
Investigate. You follow a real case. You prepare interviews. You collect technical and organisational evidence. You study what the application changes in practice.
Contribute. You bring your findings into the 25 criteria assessment. You take the lead as author of a case report.
Fellowship Benefits
- A fixed stipend of 5000 euros for the ten weeks. The amount includes any tax or social security costs in your home country
- Full training in the Impact AI Method
- Workshops led by researchers and practitioners
- Individual supervision from the Impact AI research team
- An interdisciplinary group of fellows to learn with
- Lead authorship of a case report that supports the research team
- Remote and part time work in the weeks outside Berlin by individual agreement
- Travel and accommodation support for the Berlin weeks considered case by case
Who Can Apply
- You hold a master’s degree
- You work or study in academia, journalism, civil society, a public institution or a company linked to AI sustainability or the public interest
- You can learn a demanding research method
- You can work on your own and in an interdisciplinary group
- You are interested in the effects of AI on society and the environment
An academic publication record is not required. Relevant experience helps. A strong sign of fit is a time when you investigated a question carefully. For example an interview-based investigation or an evaluation project. Explain what you personally did.
Your Time Commitment
- Two Berlin workshop weeks. You attend in person and full time
- Other weeks. They may be remote and part time by agreement
- Preparatory session. A compulsory session takes place on 11 May 2027
- Check ins and outputs. Regular check ins and research outputs are compulsory
Talk about your availability with HIIG before you accept an offer. This helps you plan the research time and the travel budget in a realistic way.
Documents You Need
| Document | Limit | What to include |
| CV (required) | 4 pages | Relevant academic and professional experience |
| Motivation letter (required) | 2 pages | Your AI expertise your organisation background and your motivation |
| AI project description (optional) | 2 pages | The case you would like to assess if you propose one |
Combine all documents in one file.
How To Apply
- Read the Impact AI Method FAQ on the HIIG website. Check if the assessment work suits you.
- Check your calendar for the preparatory session and both Berlin weeks.
- Prepare your CV and your motivation letter. Add a project description if you want to propose a case.
- Combine the documents in one file.
- Open the official Impact AI Fellowship call page and fill in the application form.
- Submit before 15 January 2027 and keep your application record.
You do not need to bring your own AI case. If you propose one it must be an application already in operation. Prototypes and research ideas do not fit the method.
If you are selected you sign a fellowship contract that covers your participation and your outputs.
Key Dates
- 10 November 2026 at 10 a.m.: Online information session. No registration needed
- 17 November 2026 at 3 p.m.: Online information session. No registration needed
- 15 January 2027: Application deadline
- 11 May 2027: Compulsory preparatory session
- 16 to 20 August 2027: First Berlin workshop week
- 16 August to 22 October 2027: Fellowship period
- 4 to 8 October 2027: Second Berlin workshop week