Data for Policy-Cambridge Global Fellowship Programme

Jun 11, 2025

Data for Policy CIC, in strategic partnership with the Cambridge Centre for Science and Policy (CSaP) and the Cambridge University Press & Assessment (CUP), presents an exclusive invitation to individuals and organisations to join the inaugural cohort of the Data for Policy-Cambridge Global Fellowship Programme – a pioneering comprehensive executive development initiative dedicated to data- and AI-driven governance in the public interest.

The public sector confronts an unprecedented skills gap in data science and AI adoption at the precise moment when these technologies are fundamentally reshaping the fabric of society. This programme addresses this critical challenge by cultivating a prestigious global network of influential decision-makers equipped to spearhead innovative data- and AI-driven governance whilst forging sustainable partnerships across government, industry, and academia to tackle the most complex policy challenges of our time.

This highly selective hybrid fellowship programme is designed exclusively for senior professionals and visionary decision-makers who must navigate the AI revolution whilst maintaining their current leadership responsibilities. Restricted to a distinguished cohort of exceptional leaders from around the world, the programme seamlessly combines flexible virtual engagement with an immersive Cambridge residency experience, empowering fellows to develop cutting-edge governance expertise without compromising their critical institutional roles.

Throughout the year, fellows engage in solving their own high-stakes, real-world policy challenges in AI and data-driven governance, supported by the unparalleled scholarly networks of Data for Policy and the Cambridge Centre for Science and Policy. This bespoke approach ensures that advanced learning translates directly into transformational institutional impact within each fellow’s unique organisational context.

Fellows will develop expertise in four transformative domains:

  1. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)– Foundational digital systems established in the public interest that enable scalable delivery of essential services
  2. Data-for-Policy (DfP)– Advanced analytical methodologies to transform raw data into actionable policy insights using cutting-edge AI capabilities
  3. Algorithmic Government/Governance (AG)– Integration of AI-enabled processes to augment public sector operations while maintaining appropriate human oversight
  4. GovTech– Innovative digital solutions that modernise government operations through strategic public-private collaboration

This carefully structured 12-month experience includes:

  • Capstone project implementation– Fellows develop solutions for pressing regional challenges
  • Exclusive week-long Cambridge residency– Immersive training with world-renowned experts
  • Personalised mentorship and engagement plan– Tailored networking and mentorship throughout the year
  • Global visibility– Presentation opportunities at the prestigious Data for Policy international conference
  • Publication pathway– Support from Cambridge University Press for disseminating research findings

A Certificate of Completion will be awarded at the end of the programme. Fellows will also join our Fellowship Alumni Network for engagement opportunities beyond the initial 12-month programme.

Who Should Engage

Individual Fellows: We seek senior or emerging leaders who demonstrate

  • Strong professional or academic experience in data science, AI, public policy, or governance
  • Current or emerging leadership positions with clear potential for institutional impact
  • Influence and authority to pioneer data-driven transformation in their organizations and regions
  • Vision for transformation that extends beyond their immediate role

Institutional Partners: We welcome organisations that

  • Nominate and sponsor high-potential leaders from their ranks
  • Commit to implementing fellowship-derived recommendations
  • Offer expertise and resources to the broader fellowship community
  • Champion responsible digital transformation in their sectors

Strategic Collaborators: We invite institutions seeking to

  • Co-develop curriculum for emerging challenges at the interface of data/AI and governance/policy
  • Provide real-world case studies and implementation opportunities
  • Offer sponsorship opportunities for applications from underrepresented regions and communities
  • Offer research collaboration and publication partnerships
  • Building global networks for digital transformation excellence

Tailored branding and promotion opportunities will be available for sponsors.  Full programme participation for individual fellowship is determined as £9,750 + VAT including Cambridge residency, training materials and ongoing support.

Taking the Next Step

If you recognise the critical importance of building responsible AI governance capacity and see yourself as part of this transformative community, we invite you to submit your expression of interest. Given the programme’s exclusive nature, we maintain a limited cohort size to ensure meaningful peer interaction and individual attention.

The challenges of governing AI and data in the public interest are too complex for any single institution or nation to address alone. This programme creates the global leadership network needed to navigate these challenges responsibly and effectively.

To register your interest for this pioneering global initiative and to receive further details and notification when applications open, please fill out our short Expression of Interest form here.

For questions, please contact  team@dataforpolicy.org

We look forward to hearing from you!

Yours sincerely,
Data for Policy CIC