Investigate
Define the policy problem, examine existing rules and identify who is affected.
Weeks 1 to 3
FOR POLICYMAKERS, RESEARCHERS & PUBLIC-INTEREST PROFESSIONALS
AI Policy Lab
Shape the policies that will shape AI.
Join a selective policy fellowship where research, lived experience and public-interest thinking come together. Investigate emerging AI challenges, develop evidence-based recommendations and contribute to more responsible, inclusive AI governance.
Research · Debate · Draft · Influence
Duration 12 weeks
Model Selective policy fellowship
Delivery Live online policy studios
Fellowship Output Publishable policy brief
Final Experience Public policy roundtable
A Different Kind of Program
Policy is where possibility becomes public impact.
The AI Policy Lab is not a conventional course. It is a collaborative policy fellowship for people ready to examine how artificial intelligence affects rights, institutions, opportunity and public trust.
Fellows bring research, professional expertise and lived experience into structured policy studios. Together, they investigate a real challenge, consult relevant stakeholders and turn evidence into practical recommendations.
Each fellow completes a publishable policy brief. The cohort also contributes to an Inclusive AI Policy Agenda that elevates perspectives too often missing from technology policy conversations.
Do not simply study AI policy. Help shape it.
The Lab Model
From question to influence.
Twelve weeks move fellows through a focused policy-development process, from defining the issue to presenting actionable recommendations.
Consult
Engage practitioners, communities and subject-matter experts to test assumptions and surface evidence.
Weeks 4 to 6Develop
Evaluate options and draft practical, inclusive and evidence-based policy recommendations.
Weeks 7 to 9Influence
Publish the work and present recommendations to policy, industry and community audiences.
Weeks 10 to 12
POLICY QUESTIONS
The issues shaping our AI future.
Fellows select a defined policy challenge within one of the lab's public-interest research areas.
Governance and accountability
Oversight, transparency, standards, procurement and responsibility when AI systems affect people.
Privacy and data rights
Consent, data protection, surveillance and meaningful control over personal information.
Equity and human rights
Bias, discrimination, accessibility and the unequal distribution of AI benefits and harms.
Public-sector AI
Automated decisions, public services, transparency and maintaining trust in institutions.
Work and economic inclusion
Labour disruption, skills, entrepreneurship and ensuring communities share in AI-created opportunity.
Safety and information integrity
Deepfakes, misinformation, cybersecurity and safeguards for emerging AI capabilities.
What Fellows Produce
Work designed to travel beyond the classroom.
A publishable policy brief
Develop a rigorous, accessible brief that moves beyond describing a problem. Your final work will connect evidence, lived experience and policy analysis to practical recommendations designed for decision-makers and public-interest audiences.
- Define a timely AI policy challenge and its public impact
- Map affected communities, institutions and decision-makers
- Assess evidence, existing rules and realistic policy options
- Present clear, inclusive and actionable recommendations
Inclusive AI Policy Agenda
Contribute findings and recommendations to a cohort publication that elevates diverse policy perspectives.
Public policy roundtable
Present your work, receive expert feedback and participate in a wider conversation about responsible AI governance.
Is This You?
Who this program is, and isn't, for.
This is for you if
- You work in research, policy or a related field
- You want to shape responsible AI in Canada
- You value evidence and rigour
- You want to contribute to the policy conversation
This may not fit if
- You want hands-on tool training (see AI Career Accelerator)
- You're looking to build a product or venture
- You want an introductory AI course
- You have no interest in research or policy work
Supported through the Black AI Centre Impact Scholarship
The fellowship is offered at no tuition cost to successful applicants. This investment supports emerging and established voices working to advance responsible, inclusive AI policy.
Competitive admission · Limited fellowship seats
Questions
Program FAQs.
It is an applied policy fellowship. Seminars build shared knowledge, while policy studios support fellows in producing original public-interest work.
No. Fellows need curiosity, critical thinking and relevant policy, research, legal, industry or community experience. Coding is not required.
Each fellow develops a publishable policy brief and contributes to the cohort's Inclusive AI Policy Agenda.
Policymakers, public servants, researchers, legal professionals, technologists, civil-society leaders and community advocates are encouraged to apply.
The 12-week fellowship combines live online seminars, collaborative policy studios, independent research and a final public policy roundtable.
It is offered at no tuition cost to successful applicants through the Black AI Centre Impact Scholarship.
Yes. Fellows who meet the completion requirements receive a certificate and recognition as a Black AI Centre Policy Fellow.
Bring your perspective to the policy table.
Investigate an emerging AI challenge, develop recommendations and contribute to a more inclusive future for AI governance.