AI at Work - 2026 Call for Expressions of Interest
Funds empirical research using field and quasi-experiments to study how AI adoption affects work, labor markets, worker displacement, and scientific productivity.
Funder: Schmidt Sciences
Due Dates: April 10, 2026 (EOI deadline) | April 11, 2026 (EOI deadline, Smapply listing) | June 18, 2026 (Full proposal deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $200,000 per project; project duration up to 2 years; up to 15 awards in 2026.
Summary: Supports empirical research on how AI adoption impacts work and labor markets, with a focus on field and quasi-experiments.
Key Information: Early-career quantitative social scientists worldwide are eligible; institutional host must be non-profit or equivalent.
Description
The Schmidt Sciences AI at Work program funds high-impact, empirical research investigating how the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) affects the nature of work and the operation of labor markets. The 2026 call specifically seeks field experiments and quasi-experiments that generate reliable, causal evidence on the workforce effects of new AI tools. Priority topics for this cycle are the impact of AI on worker displacement and adjustment, and on scientific productivity. Selected applicants will receive support to develop their proposals, collaborate with leading economists and institutions, and conduct research that informs both academic understanding and practical implementation of AI in the workplace.
