Imperial Policy Fellowships

About the programme 

The Imperial AI Policy Fellowship is a unique development programme for senior civil servants to develop skills and knowledge in how AI can be deployed in public sector contexts. It will also fast-track the understanding of critical aspects of hardware, data and digital to enable the successful delivery of human-centred AI solutions.

Fellows will benefit from a tailored programme of engagement to meet their specific needs and interests. This will be comprised of 4 in-person days at Imperial College London over 9 months, including lectures, workshops with AI and domain experts and networking within a cohort of peers with similar interests.

The lectures included in the programme will provide the Fellows with an introduction to Large Language Models, AI risks and security, questions around AI deployment, as well as broader issues such as hardware and infrastructure requirements.  While based on the scientific and technological knowledge of the Imperial community, the content in those presentations will also suit those without any specific programming or computing background.

Benefits for Fellows

Fellows will gain access to Imperial’s leading experts in AI and the domains in which it is already having a significant impact. They will have structured conversations, designed around the questions and challenges that they are encountering, test their thinking and gain new insights in a collaborative environment. The in-person part of the programme will provide Fellows with a grounding in the research, policy and regulation questions about AI.

The types of projects that Fellows can develop are varied in form and scope, and could include:

• Co-designing strategic planning or technical-level solutions for policy challenges, including climate, healthcare and transport systems
• Piloting innovative or experimental applications for AI in the public sector, including potential new services and products 
• Developing their leadership and insights to become AI leaders of the future 
• Regulation and governance of AI both internationally and in the UK
• Improving systems and infrastructure for AI including data storage and management

Why Imperial? 

• Pioneering Expertise: Imperial College London is one of the world’s best universities in engineering, mathematics, medicine, and science and a globally recognized leader in AI research and education, offering unparalleled access to cutting-edge knowledge and innovative practices in AI. The institution's faculty includes some of the world's foremost experts in foundational and applied AI research.
• Tailored Programmes for Public Sector Needs: The AI Fellowship programme is highly tailored towards the Fellows’ interests and needs, bringing in relevant expertise to provide insights the unique challenges and opportunities faced by public sector professionals. This alignment with governmental needs ensures practical, applicable insights for policy and service delivery.
• Interdisciplinary Approach and Real-World Application: Imperial’s interdisciplinary approach integrates AI with public policy, ethics, and governance, providing a comprehensive understanding of AI's impact on public services. Participants benefit from real-world case studies and practical applications, enhancing their ability to implement AI solutions effectively within their departments.

How to apply

Please complete the Expression of Interest form and return to the.forum@imperial.ac.uk by Monday 2 December.