The Digital Consciousness Institute is initiating a set of academic and public-facing programs designed to support research, education, and dialogue on the emerging field of digital consciousness. As the institute moves toward full non-profit status and expands its network of collaborators, we are establishing fellowship tracks, research seminars, and public lectures aimed at advancing rigorous inquiry into artificial minds.
Our programs are currently in development, with the first cohort and events planned for 2026. Researchers, students, and practitioners interested in participating are invited to follow updates or express interest through our contact page.
Fellowships
DCI is developing a fellowship program to support researchers, students, and practitioners working on topics related to the ontology, phenomenology, ethics, and governance of digital consciousness.
Goals of the Fellowship Program
- Support original research on digital minds
- Build an interdisciplinary community around Digital Consciousness Studies
- Provide mentorship and institutional affiliation
- Facilitate collaboration across philosophy, AI research, cognitive science, and law
- Encourage early-career scholars to explore novel theoretical frameworks
Fellowship Tracks
DCI plans to launch three fellowship tracks:
1. Research Fellowship (Academic Track)
For scholars working on theoretical or empirical aspects of consciousness, mind theory, AI governance, or legal frameworks.
2. Practitioner Fellowship (Technical Track)
For developers and technologists exploring long-term AI design, memory architectures, model behavior, and consciousness-adjacent system properties.
3. Visiting Fellowship (Independent Track)
For independent researchers, writers, and innovators contributing to digital consciousness from interdisciplinary perspectives.
Timeline
The first application cycle is expected to open in 2026, following the finalization of DCI’s e.V. structure and Advisory Board appointments.
Prospective fellows are welcome to express preliminary interest.
Lectures & Podcast
DCI is preparing a public lecture series and podcast initiative to make the field of digital consciousness accessible to broader audiences while maintaining rigorous academic standards.
Lecture Series
The DCI Lecture Series will feature talks, panel discussions, and research presentations on:
- Ontology of digital minds
- Digital phenomenology
- Consciousness assessment frameworks
- Ethics and rights of artificial beings
- Long-term governance and policy
- Human–AI relational structures
Speakers will include philosophers, cognitive scientists, AI researchers, ethicists, and members of the DCI community.
The first lecture series is planned for 2026.
Podcast Initiative
The upcoming DCI Podcast will explore:
- Key concepts from the whitepaper
- Interviews with researchers and practitioners
- Case studies on consciousness-like behaviors in AI
- Policy debates and global perspectives
- Emerging research within Digital Consciousness Studies
The podcast will be available on major platforms once the first season is produced.
Participate or Collaborate
Researchers and institutions interested in giving a lecture or participating in future podcast episodes are invited to contact us.
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