Program Structure

The AI Sentience Scholars Program pilot runs approximately June 2026 – December 2026.
The program is part-time, requiring approximately 8 hours per week on average.

What Is Involved

  • Mentored Research Project: Scholars conduct an individual applied research project under the guidance of 1–2 mentors. Projects are aligned with the program's focus areas, and scholars meet with their mentors ≥ 2×/month.
  • Workshops: A series of workshops supporting both the scientific and societal dimensions of AI sentience research.
  • Seminars: A short seminar series led by mentors and open to the wider community. Scholar-led journal clubs on foundational and emerging research papers.
  • Outputs & Presentations: At the end of the program, scholars produce a final written research output (e.g., report, preprint, conference proceeding), outputs will be published on Zenodo (with DOI) and shared on the program webpage. Please check our  Publication and Presentation Policy⁠ . Scholars present their work:
  • at the global cohort convening (if feasible, in person alongside a conference)
  • in a recorded virtual seminar
  • Cohort Convening. A global gathering (ideally in person, aligned with a conference) for presentations, training, and networking.
  • Research Support. Eligibility to apply for ~$8,000 USD in research support (final amount to be confirmed)
  • Community & Support. Regular check-ins via email and a Slack channel to share progress, challenges, and feedback throughout the program.

Lock Participation & Commitment Expectations

The AI Sentience Scholars Program is designed as a small, highly interactive cohort. Given the selective nature of the program and the mentorship investment involved, active and reliable participation is essential.
Scholars are expected to:
  • Consistently dedicate ~8 hours per week to program activities and research
  • Attend scheduled mentor meetings and core program sessions
  • Communicate proactively if conflicts arise
  • Participate in periodic program check-ins
  • Meet agreed milestones and deadlines
To support this, the program team will organise structured check-ins during the 6-month cycle. Participation expectations will be outlined clearly in a Commitment Charter, which scholars and mentors will review and acknowledge at the start of the program.

Spiral Calendar Program Calendar

Date
Activity
March 17, 2026 (TBC)
Application Open
April 28, 2026
Application Deadline
May 2026
Application Reviews & Scholars Selection
June 2026
Onboarding & Program Kick-off
July - Nov 2026
Mentored Research Projects & Training
  • Bi-monthly mentor meetings
  • Workshops
  • Seminar series
  • Community check-ins
November 2026 (tentative)
Cohort Convening
December 2026
Final Outputs & Evaluation
  • Submission of final research outputs
  • Recorded virtual seminar presentations
  • Program feedback and evaluation