[Sloan Foundation](https://sloan.org)

April 10, 2025 (Full application, 5:00pm ET)

Up to $250,000 USD over 2 years (Sloan); for Canadian applicants, up to CAD $140,000 over 2 years (SSHRC).

Supports early career researchers in the social sciences and humanities studying the implications of AI on science and research ecosystems.

Fellowship must start by September 30, 2025; not for direct AI tool development.

--- ## Description This postdoctoral fellowship supports early career researchers in the social sciences and humanities—particularly those in philosophy, sociology of science, and metascience—who are interested in understanding how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming research practices and the broader science ecosystem. The program aims to develop a cohort of scholars investigating the epistemic, ethical, and socioeconomic consequences of AI-driven science, with an emphasis on institutional responses, research progress, explainability, skills, and training needs. The fellowship includes opportunities for technical training, mentorship, and participation in a fully funded residential summer school to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange. --- ## Due Dates - **April 10, 2025:** Full application submission deadline (by 5:00pm ET) Fellowships must start by September 30, 2025. There are no current plans for this to be a recurring call. --- ## Funding Amount - **Sloan Foundation Awards:** Up to $250,000 USD per fellow, for a period of up to 2 years. - **SSHRC (Canada) Partnership:** Up to four Canadian postdoctoral fellows at SSHRC-eligible institutions can receive awards of CAD $140,000 over two years. Allowable budget categories include salary and benefits, travel, facilities/infrastructure, training, and up to 20% indirect/overhead on direct costs (max $41,666 on $208,330 in direct costs). --- ## Eligibility - **Who can apply:** - Early career researchers in the social sciences and humanities (especially philosophy, sociology of science, and metascience). - Must have completed a PhD by the fellowship start date or demonstrate equivalent research/innovation experience. - Must not hold a permanent or tenure-track academic position. - Open to international applicants, with preference for US and Canadian host institutions. - Canadian applicants must be based at [SSHRC-eligible institutions](https://sshrc-crsh.canada.ca/en/funding/policies-regulations-and-guidelines/institutional-eligibility-guidelines-and-requirements/sshrc-eligible-institutions.aspx). - Submissions from women, Black, Indigenous, and Latine individuals are strongly encouraged. - **Who cannot apply:** - Those whose primary research is the direct development of scientific AI tools. - UK-based applicants (apply through [UKRI](https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/ukri-metascience-ai-early-career-fellowships/)). - **Host institutions:** Non-profit two- and four-year institutions, university-affiliated research centers/labs, independent nonprofit research organizations. - **Mentorship:** All applicants must have a faculty mentor at the host organization. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Applications must be submitted via [Sloan’s SMApply portal](https://apply.sloan.org/prog/call_for_submissions_metascience_and_ai_postdoctoral_fellowship). - **Required components:** - Vision statement (750 words) - Approach/methods (1250 words) - Career development/resources (1000 words) - Brief CV (max 3 pages) - Mentor letter (max 3 pages, outlining commitment and support) - Optional: Up to three additional letters of support - Budget (using [Sloan Budget template](https://sloan.org/storage/app/media/files/application_documents/sloan-budget-template.xlsx); 250 words explanation) - **Language:** Canadian applicants may submit in French. - **Important:** Applications cannot be amended after submission; ensure compliance with guidance to avoid rejection. - **Mentor costs:** Mentor time cannot be claimed; must be supported by the host institution. - **Generative AI:** Use is permitted in application preparation, but applicants should exercise caution. --- ## Additional Information - **Summer School:** All fellows will be invited to attend a fully funded 1-2 week residential summer school in 2026. - **Multiple submissions:** Allowed per institution; only one submission per individual fellow. - **Other funding:** You may include non-Sloan funding sources in your application. - **Protected time:** Fellows are generally expected to dedicate 100% of their working time to the fellowship. --- ## External Links - [Sloan Foundation Program Page](https://sloan.org/programs/digital-technology/aipostdoc-rfp) - [Apply via SMApply Portal](https://apply.sloan.org/prog/call_for_submissions_metascience_and_ai_postdoctoral_fellowship) - [SSHRC Eligible Institutions](https://sshrc-crsh.canada.ca/en/funding/policies-regulations-and-guidelines/institutional-eligibility-guidelines-and-requirements/sshrc-eligible-institutions.aspx) - [UKRI Metascience & AI Fellowships (UK applicants)](https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/ukri-metascience-ai-early-career-fellowships/) - [Sloan Budget Template (XLSX)](https://sloan.org/storage/app/media/files/application_documents/sloan-budget-template.xlsx) - [Full PDF RFP](https://sloan.org/storage/app/media/programs/digital_technology/aipostdoc-rfp.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |---------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------| | General/technical questions | technology@sloan.org (subject: "Metascience and AI") | | Funder main contact | [frontdesk@sloan.org](mailto:frontdesk@sloan.org) | | Funder website | [https://sloan.org](https://sloan.org) | | Phone | +1 212-649-1649 | *Note: Sloan cannot take calls regarding individual submissions; general questions will be addressed at the virtual office hours.*

Call for Submissions: Metascience and AI Postdoctoral Fellowship

Sign in to see full grant listing