Metascience and AI Fellowship: The Metascience and AI Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025 is now open for applications, and the deadline is fast approaching on April 10, 2025. If you’re a rising scholar eager to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and scientific research ecosystems, this is a golden opportunity you don’t want to miss. Created by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, this fellowship supports early-career researchers in the social sciences and humanities who want to investigate how AI is transforming the way science is done. Whether you’re working in philosophy of science, sociology, economics, or science policy, this fellowship empowers you to drive real impact in shaping the future of research.
Metascience and AI Fellowship
The Metascience and AI Postdoctoral Fellowship offers a rare and prestigious opportunity for researchers to shape the future of scientific knowledge. If you’re ready to explore how AI is changing the rules of science—and what we can do to make those changes ethical, inclusive, and effective—then this is your call to action.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Amount | Up to $250,000 USD for a 1–2 year period. |
| Deadline | April 10, 2025, 5:00 PM ET |
| Who Can Apply | PhD holders (by start date), early-career scholars without permanent/tenure-track roles |
| Field of Research | Social sciences and humanities with a focus on AI’s impact on science |
| Application Portal | Click here to apply |
| Official Website | Sloan Foundation Program Page |
| Geographic Preference | Open to all, but preference for U.S. and Canadian institutions |
What Is the Metascience and AI Fellowship?
The Metascience and AI Fellowship is part of a growing movement to understand and guide how artificial intelligence is reshaping scientific research—not just through tools and automation, but in methodology, collaboration, publishing, peer review, and beyond.
This isn’t a tech development grant. Instead, it focuses on critical thinking, policy shaping, and sociological inquiry into AI’s scientific roles. If you’re interested in how and why AI tools are changing the way knowledge is created, validated, and shared—this program is built for you.
Real-World Impact: Why It Matters
The potential of AI in science is massive. Projects like DeepMind’s AlphaFold have already changed the game by solving the protein folding problem. AI tools like ChatGPT, Elicit, or Semantic Scholar are accelerating literature reviews and helping draft research outlines. But with great power comes great responsibility.
Questions arise:
- How do AI-generated insights affect reproducibility?
- Will AI bias influence scientific integrity?
- Are we widening or narrowing access to knowledge?
The Sloan Fellowship gives scholars the chance to rigorously explore these issues—and propose actionable paths forward.
Who Should Apply?
You’re a perfect fit if:
- You have (or will soon have) a PhD in a relevant social science or humanities field.
- You do not currently hold a tenure-track or permanent academic position.
- You’re excited to study how AI is affecting scientific knowledge production, equity, ethics, peer review, or institutional trust.
- You want to work with a host institution (especially in North America).
Your project might focus on:
- Ethical frameworks for AI in academic publishing
- Changes in collaborative research due to AI assistance
- Policy gaps in AI use for grant writing or peer review
How to Apply for the Metascience and AI Fellowship – Step-by-Step Guide
- Choose a Host Institution
- Must be a university or research organization.
- Ideally located in the U.S. or Canada.
- Identify a faculty mentor who supports your project.
- Prepare the Required Documents
- Research Proposal (clear objectives, timeline, impact)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Mentor Commitment Letter
- Submit Your Application Online
- Visit the official Sloan Application Portal
- Deadline: April 10, 2025 by 5:00 PM ET
- Await Notification
- Shortlisted candidates will likely be contacted within a few months.
- Fellowship begins later in 2025.
Career Benefits of the Fellowship
Being selected isn’t just about funding—it’s a career accelerator.
- Boost Your Academic Portfolio with cutting-edge, interdisciplinary work.
- Network with Thought Leaders at the 2026 summer school (a 1–2 week residential program in the U.S.).
- Shape Policy by contributing to evidence-based frameworks for AI in science.
- Publish in High-Impact Journals in metascience, STS, or digital sociology.
Expert Tip: Stand Out With These Strategies
- Clearly define the problem you’re addressing and why it’s urgent.
- Show how your unique background gives you insight into AI’s role in science.
- Demonstrate feasibility and impact—how will your project make a difference?
- Ensure your mentor’s letter highlights not only support, but alignment with your goals.
Comparison With Similar Fellowships
| Fellowship Name | Focus Area | Funding | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metascience & AI (Sloan) | AI’s impact on science | Up to $250,000 | Global (US/CA pref.) |
| Mellon/ACLS Fellowship | Humanities research | $40,000–$60,000 | U.S.-based |
| Schmidt Futures AI2050 Fellowship | AI and long-term futures | Variable | Global |
| NSF SBE Postdoc Research Fellowship | Behavioral & Social Science | $138,000 | U.S. citizens only |
Future Outlook: Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
AI is evolving faster than any previous technological innovation in research. As it becomes embedded in grant decisions, literature reviews, lab experiments, and even peer review, the stakes are high.
Who better to examine these issues than scholars trained in critical analysis, ethics, and science studies?
The Metascience and AI Fellowship is not just about research. It’s about future-proofing science itself.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I apply if my PhD is in progress?
A: You must complete your PhD by the start date of the fellowship, but you can apply while finishing your dissertation.
Q: Can I propose a project in economics or law?
A: Yes, as long as your research examines the role of AI in science and fits within social sciences or humanities.
Q: Is it okay if my host institution is outside the U.S. or Canada?
A: Yes, international applications are welcome, but institutions in the U.S. and Canada are preferred.
Q: When will I hear back after applying?
A: The foundation does not specify a timeline, but most decisions are made within a few months after the deadline.
