[ REAL ML ]
[ In Person ]
[ Online ]
REAL ML 2026 Shift fellowship
Date
–Location
Online/ In-person
Abstract/Summary
Applications open now! If you work in the tech industry and want to apply to be a REAL ML Shift fellow, please apply online by 31 March 2026
About the fellowship
The REAL ML Shift fellowship supports ethical AI researchers and technologists who have spent the majority of their professional careers in technology industry roles to transition into working in public sector, civil society, or otherwise mission-driven organizations in support of human rights and social justice.
The pilot program is hosted by REAL ML (Research, Engagement, Advocacy & Lived Experience in Machine Learning), a non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating the translation of rigorous research into real world interventions and insights through interdisciplinary collaboration.
We hope that this fellowship will support participants to apply their specialist insights and expertise gained from years in industry to support human rights and social justice work.
Who is it for?
The program aims to resource industry-based ethical AI researchers and technologists with a sense of professional and personal responsibility to combat the use of digital technology for malfeasance (e.g., surveillance, warfare, extreme financial profit, erosion of social relationships, environmental degradation) to connect and build community.
We want to create a space that supports these professionals, who have spent the majority of their careers within for-profit technology firms to apply their skills and expertise towards mission-driven human rights and social justice projects.
How to apply
All program participants are required to apply through this form by 31 March 2026.
Applications will be reviewed by the organizers and a volunteer selection committee, who will be seeking applicants who have a demonstrated understanding and commitment to social justice values and human rights, are experiencing a strong sense of misalignment between their current professional role and personal values, and would benefit from connecting with a community of like-minded and empathetic colleagues.
How does it work?
The fellowship will run over six months, bringing together a small cohort of people currently working in industry roles to form a community of practice. We will meet weekly online and then in person at the end of the six-month period.
Through the program, REAL ML Shift Fellows will identify and develop a project or research plan (prospectus) to pursue upon completion of the program. While there are no set criteria for projects, we encourage projects that align with REAL ML’s overall mission: investigative, academic or applied research that critically examines the impact of AI systems on society.
About the program
The program is based on a cohort-model and requires time for reading, self-reflection, and group learning. During the first six weeks, the group will meet weekly online to discuss readings and meet with guest speakers. Three additional online sessions will occur at a monthly cadence to help participants brainstorm their project ideas.
The program will conclude with a multiday workshop in September or October 2026, where participants will present their in-progress project prospectuses in sessions facilitated by project mentors from the REAL ML community.
What’s in it for me?
The program is designed so that participants will have the opportunity to:
- Identify and align their personal values with their professional priorities;
- Better understand the needs of the non-profit, civil society, and public sectors;
- Re-imagine the role digital technology experts can have in addressing social issues;
- Build relationships with others who are seeking to make, or already have made, contributions to civil society efforts; and,
- Develop a prospectus outlining a project that explores a specific opportunity for impact.
Applicants will be notified of their status in early April 2026.
REAL ML strives to make the application process as accessible as possible. If you require any assistance with the application process, including submitting the application information through an alternative medium, please get in touch with Aoise Keogan-Nooshabadi at aoise@realml.org
Want to know more?
We will host three weekly office hours for any questions about the application process or to chat about your project application. No need to sign up in advance, just log on to a call during this window:
- 10 March 2026 – 08:00 – 09:00 UTC-8: Zoom link
- 17 March 2026 – 08:00 – 09:00 UTC-8: Zoom link
- 24 March 2026 – 08:00 – 09:00 UTC-8: Zoom link
If you have immediate questions, comments or requests, please contact Aoise (aoise@realml.org). You can also reach out to program co-facilitator, Tina M. Park at tina@realml.org if these open office hour times do not work for you.