2027-2028 Artificial Intelligence Thematic Institute Fellowship

Residential Fellowship at the Collegium de Lyon
The residential fellowship includes an apartment in our residence on the ENS Lyon campus, assistance with arrival formalities, and integration into our interdisciplinary cohort of international scholars.
The fellowship is open to all academics whose field of research falls within the scope of the Artificial Intelligence Thematic Institute. Applicants must already be employed as researchers or faculty members at institutions outside of France and must remain employed by those institutions for the entire 2027–2028 academic year.
Applications must be officially supported by a research unit at one of the University of Lyon's member institutions. This unit will serve as the researcher’s co-host for the duration of their fellowship. The Collegium team and the co-directors of the Thematic Institute can help identify research units on the Lyon/Saint-Étienne site that work in the field of artificial intelligence. 

Presentation of the Thematic Institute
The Artificial Intelligence Thematic Institute, launched at the end of 2025, brings together AI-related activities and research in the fields of exact, experimental and social sciences, as well as in humanities and medical sciences, from all ComUE members and associate institutions involved in these topics. It aims to raise awareness of, deepen, and strengthen the Lyon Saint-Étienne academic ecosystem’s AI activities. The focus encompasses both Core AI and its numerous applications, challenges, and uses.

The Artificial Intelligence Thematic Institute will promote collaborative efforts among academic stakeholders and with the socio-economic sector. Its ambition for the region is to support the structuring and development of research, innovation, and educational programs in AI in the Lyon Saint-Étienne territory.

Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications is 16/11/2026 at 6 pm, Lyon time.

Evaluation Criteria
Eligible applications will be evaluated by the Artificial Intelligence Thematic Institute in accordance with its procedures and the legislation in effect for hosting international scientific personnel, particularly that concerning the protection of the nation’s scientific and technological potential (PPST). The following evaluation criteria will be applied:
- the quality and innovative nature of the scientific project;
- the potential to develop or strengthen ambitious research collaborations with the Artificial Intelligence Thematic Institute.

Results will be sent to applicants in February 2027.

Application
The application must include the following documents in English and PDF format:
1. An academic résumé.
2. A copy of your passport.
3. A copy of your doctoral diploma (with a certified translation into French or English if applicable).
4. A detailed research proposal (single-spaced, Arial 11 font, maximum five pages plus one page for the bibliography).
5. A letter of support from the director of the targeted co-hosting research unit at the University of Lyon.
6. An official letter from your home institution certifying that your employer-employee relationship will be maintained for the entire duration of your stay at the Collegium.
7. An official guarantee of sufficient funds to cover all expenses other than housing during the stay in Lyon is required (for example, a certificate of paid sabbatical leave or a certificate confirming receipt of a scholarship). The minimum required resources are as follows:
• €1,500 per month for the applicant;
• An additional €600 per month for an accompanying spouse;
• An additional €300 per month for each minor child accompanying the applicant.

The application platform is available on the following link: https://collegium.universite-lyon.fr/2027-28-fellowships-application-form-422333.kjsp

For any scientific questions, please contact institut.intelligence-artificielle@universite-lyon.fr

Timeline
- 16 November 2026, 6 pm (Lyon time): Application deadline.
- December 2026: Preselection of finalists.
- January 2027: Final selection.
- February 2027: Results announced.
- September 1, 2027: Fellow arrives at the Collegium.

Presentation of the University of Lyon

The University of Lyon is a consortium of world-class higher education institutions. It comprises 11 member institutions, 19 associate institutions, and five research institutes and scientific partners in the greater Lyon and Saint-Étienne area. It is the second largest cluster of education and research institutions in France.

The consortium's mission is to support its members' initiatives, coordinate strategic projects, and promote excellence in the Lyon-Saint-Étienne academic ecosystem. Since 2025, the consortium has implemented a shared scientific strategy to ensure education, research, innovation, and dissemination address current and future societal challenges. This strategy aims to increase the global visibility of the University of Lyon and its ecosystem, accelerate scientific breakthroughs, and build bridges between science and society.

Key figures:
• 164,000 students (including 20% of international students)
• 18 doctoral schools
• 5,000 Ph.D. students
• 7,000 researchers
• 173 research labs
• 37 joint labs with private stakeholders
• 154 Horizon Europe projects
• 82 ERC grants
• 17,000 annual publications
• Over 120 start-ups

The University of Lyon consortium has the highest number of patent applications of any French academic institution (it has 650 patent families in its portfolio).

Useful links
https://collegium.universite-lyon.fr/collegium-institut-d-etudes-avancees-de-lyon--307938.kjsp
https://www.universite-lyon.fr/en