The Alfred P Sloan Foundation offers the Metascience and AI Postdoctoral Fellowship for 2025. Alfred P Sloan Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025 offers grants of up to USD 250,000 to early-career researchers in the social sciences and humanities (especially philosophy, sociology of science, and metascience). It supports those studying how AI is transforming scientific research—its methods, ethics, and broader impact. Fellowships must start by September 30, 2025.
The Alfred P Sloan Postdoctoral Fellowship does not fund direct AI development but encourages technical training. SSHRC Canada will support four Canadian fellows with CAD 140,000 over two years. Topics include AI-driven scientific progress, human roles in AI research, and epistemic challenges. Applications are due by April 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET.
University/ Institutions:
- Host Institutions: Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
- Location: USA, Canada
- Ranking: No specific university ranking requirement; applicants can choose their host institution.
- Programs: Focused on AI’s impact on science, covering social sciences, philosophy, metascience, and related fields.
- Duration: Up to 2 years (expected start: September 2025 – summer 2027).
Study Areas:
Fellows will explore:
- AI’s impact on research – how AI changes scientific methods and daily research work.
- Ethical, epistemic, and socioeconomic effects – how AI influences knowledge, ethics, and research funding.
- Policy and governance – how governments, industry, and funders should respond to AI in science.
Key research topics include:
- AI’s influence on scientific topics, methods, and progress.
- Explainability and human roles in AI-driven research.
- Skills and training needed for AI in science.
- Ethical concerns in AI-generated research and assessments.
Alfred P Sloan Postdoctoral Fellowship Benefits:
- Grants up to $250,000 to support research activities.
- A fully funded 1-2 week residential summer school in 2026, likely held in the USA, facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange among fellows.
- SSHRC will support up to four additional Canadian postdoctoral fellows at eligible Canadian institutions with awards of CAD 140,000 over two years.
AI and Metascience Summer School
- Fully funded 1-2 week residential summer school in 2026.
- Organized in partnership with UKRI and SSHRC (likely held in the USA).
- Brings together researchers for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
- Features sessions by leading experts in AI for Science, AI philosophy, and metascience.
- No need to budget for this in the application
Benefits Not Included:
- Health insurance
- Living expenses
Eligibility Criteria for Alfred P Sloan Postdoctoral Fellowship:
- Early-career researchers who completed their PhD by the fellowship start date or have equivalent research experience.
- Must not hold a permanent or tenure-track academic position.
- Research must focus on AI’s impact on science, not general AI ethics, safety, or society-related topics.
- Not eligible if research primarily involves developing scientific AI tools.
- UK-based applicants must apply through UKRI (not eligible for Sloan funding).
- Eligible host institutions: Non-profit universities, research centers, and independent research organizations (priority for US and Canada).
- Encourages applications from women, Black, Indigenous, and Latine individuals.
- Fellows are expected to dedicate 100% of their time to research, training, and development.
- Use of AI tools for applications is allowed but requires caution.
- Sloan Foundation has no strict policy, but UKRI guidelines offer useful advice.
Faculty Mentor Requirement
- Applicants must have a faculty mentor at their host institution.
- The mentor should:
- Guide the applicant in developing research connections.
- Help with proposal preparation and career development.
- Review progress and training throughout the project.
- The mentor does not manage the fellowship directly.
- Their time cannot be claimed as part of the grant (covered by the host institution).
- Institutional requirements must be included in the Faculty Mentor’s letter.
Required Documents:
- Completed application form
- Research proposal outlining AI’s impact on science
- CV/Resume
- Proof of PhD completion or equivalent research experience
- Recommendation letters (as per official guidelines)
- Institutional support letter from host organization
Alfred P Sloan Postdoctoral Fellowship Application Process:
- Review eligibility criteria and research focus areas.
- Prepare necessary application materials as specified in the official guidelines.
- Submit the application through the designated online portal by April 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET.
Tips for a Successful Application:
- Clearly articulate your research objectives and their alignment with the fellowship’s focus on AI’s impact on science.
- Highlight your relevant experience and previous research accomplishments.
- Ensure all required documents are complete and submitted before the deadline.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (Estimate in the USA):
- Accommodation: $800 – $2,500 (varies by city)
- Food: $300 – $600
- Transportation: $70 – $200
- Health Insurance: $100 – $500
- Utilities & Internet: $100 – $250
- Miscellaneous (entertainment, personal expenses): $200 – $500
Total Estimated Cost: $1,500 – $4,500 per month (varies by location and lifestyle).
Why Choose This Opportunity?
This fellowship offers substantial financial support and access to a network of researchers focused on AI’s implications for science. It provides a platform to contribute to understanding and guiding AI’s integration into the research landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Who is eligible to apply for this fellowship?
- Early-career researchers in the social sciences and humanities who have completed their PhD or have equivalent research experience and do not hold a permanent academic position are eligible.
- What is the application deadline?
- Applications must be submitted by April 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET.
- What research areas does the fellowship support?
- The fellowship supports research on AI’s impact on the science and research ecosystem, particularly in philosophy, sociology of science, and metascience.
- Are international applicants eligible?
- Yes, international applicants are welcome, but preference is given to those with host institutions in the USA or Canada.
- What does the fellowship funding cover?
- The grant of up to $250,000 supports research activities over a period of up to two years.
Official Link for More Details and Application:
For comprehensive information and application guidelines, visit the official fellowship page:
