Fellows visiting Imperial’s Sir Michael Uren Hub, to speak to scientists leading on cutting-edge work in their fields, and talk to them about some of Imperial’s pioneering AI and robotics science. 

Course Information

Dates: Applications for 2025 are now closed. 2026 applications will open in October.  

Duration: 9 months  

Time commitment: 6/8 hours per month  

Location: London and Online  

Download the brochure

About the programme

The Imperial AI Policy Fellowship is a unique development programme designed to support senior civil servants in understanding the role and impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in the public sector. Hosted by the Imperial Policy Forum, the programme combines theoretical learning with practical application, allowing Fellows to refine problem statements related to significant policy challenges and explore how academic research can be leveraged to support policy development, delivery, or evaluation.  

Throughout the programme, each Fellow will be paired with an academic mentor(s) who will help guide their research project, which is tailored to their area of interest. This mentorship, along with additional meetings and touchpoints with the broader Imperial community, will provide a robust support system to ensure Fellows' success. The programme will also include in-person days at Imperial College, featuring expert-led workshops and lectures on AI, as well as networking opportunities with like-minded peers.  

Your research project

Types

Recommendations for adoption of AI in a particular part of your Department​

Co-designing strategic planning or technical-level solutions for policy challenges

Piloting innovative or experimental applications for AI in the public sector

Improving systems and infrastructure for AI including data storage and management

Facilitated workshop for colleagues in your team/department

Examples

Considering the meaning of 'Sovereign AI' in a UK context

Exploring ways of building public trust of AI in healthcare settings

Use cases for AI in reducing the costs of environmental mapping and monitoring

Impact of AI on the accessibility, quality and affordability of higher education

How governments can effectively partner with the private sector to apply technology for the public good

How to create a AI safety and assurance regime

Benefits

  • Tailored learning experience: Fellows will receive a personalised programme, addressing their unique needs and interests, ensuring that the course is relevant and impactful to their roles.  
  • Practical application through research projects: Fellows engage in a research project with a mentor, enabling them to directly apply their learning to real-world issues and areas of interest within the public sector.  
  • World-Class Expertise: Learn from Imperial College London's globally renowned faculty, leaders in AI research and application across engineering, medicine, and science.  
  • Networking opportunities: Fellows can connect and collaborate with peers from across the civil service who share similar interests and challenges, fostering valuable knowledge exchange and a cohort community at Imperial. 
  • Tailored for Public Sector: Gain practical insights through a curriculum co-designed with civil servants to address the unique challenges of public sector AI deployment. 
“I thought I had a reasonable understanding of AI before joining the Fellowship at Imperial, but the time I have spent with my mentor and the other professors has given me a significant boost in my knowledge. The Fellowship has given me a lot of really useful insight into how I can use different types of AI within my portfolio.” Senior Civil Servant, Home Office