Intern on AI policy (GRID Unit)

About us

Founded in Brussels in 1983, CEPS (Centre for European Policy Studies) is a leading think tank and forum for debate on EU affairs, which has been consistently ranked among the world’s top 10 best think tanks. One of CEPS’ distinguishing features is its strong in-house research capacity and an extensive international network of partner institutes. CEPS’ funding comes from a variety of sources, mainly research grants and service contracts, but also from membership and conference fees.

The CEPS unit on Global Governance, Regulation, Innovation and the Digital economy (GRID) explores, among other issues, policy and regulatory challenges in the areas of regulatory governance, industrial policy, digital technology, AI, health policy and governance and sustainable development. Over the years, researchers at GRID have carried out diverse assignments for the European Commission (including DG CONNECT, DG GROW, DG RTD, DG SANTE), the European Parliament, EU agencies, national governments UN agencies and other international organisations. Now, GRID is busy with several long-term research projects in various fields, not only on Artificial intelligence and the digital transformation of the economy and society but also in the areas of research and innovation, development and EU and global health, and is looking to strengthen its team to further expand its remit and ambition as a leading interdisciplinary research team.

Main tasks

The successful applicant will contribute to the research activities of CEPS on AI policy, within the GRID unit. The successful applicant will contribute to several activities, such as:

• Conducting analysis and desk research tasks to support work on the following topics:
• Applied AI and AI governance
• AI, innovation and competitiveness
• Digital policy and tech sovereignty
• Preparing and implementing hybrid and virtual events and workshops
• Contributing to projects development (proposal drafting) in the unit
• Further tasks as agreed with the appointed mentor

General information about the internship

The internship is based in Brussels and will take place in-person, but some teleworking might be possible for a limited period. Candidates must be legally entitled to undertake an internship in Belgium for the duration of the placement.

• Length of internship: 6 months
• Time commitment: full-time
• Starting date: as soon as possible, latest by November 2026

Your background and qualifications

• Student enrolled in a university degree in Public Policy, Economics, Political Science, Law, Philosophy, other Social Sciences, or related topics, for the full duration of the internship. For recent graduates, the option of the CIP (la convention d’immersion professionnelle) scheme may be considered, subject to the candidate’s eligibility and possession of the right to work in Belgium.
• Proficiency working with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• B.A. degree in one of the following fields: Public Policy, Economics, Political Science, Law, Philosophy, European Studies, other Social Sciences.
• Knowledge of health policies in the EU and beyond.
• A proactive approach to work and sound teamworking skills.
• Familiarity with EU instruments which promote R&I and sustainable development (including Horizon Europe and Global Gateway) is an asset.
• Excellent command of English, both orally and in writing.

Your profile

• You are able to work in a research team comprising junior and senior colleagues.
• You enjoy teamwork and are open to giving and receiving feedback.
• You are flexible, organised and respect deadlines.
• You have absolute respect for diversity and an inclusion-oriented mindset.
• You are enthusiastic to contribute towards the success of the whole of CEPS as an organisation.

Learning elements and outcomes

On completion of the internship, the candidate will have:

• Developed understanding of and expertise on the challenges and opportunities related to EU AI policy, digital policy and technological sovereignty, and the uptake of AI across the economy, public administration and society;
• Learned about the management processes and partners involved in diverse projects (EU-funded, foundation-funded, task forces and consortia…);
• Strengthened writing, political analysis, management, communication and reporting skills;
• Gained extensive exposure to the think tank environment, the work with EU institutions, and a diverse set of stakeholders across industry, civil society, academia and international organisations.

What CEPS can offer

• Enrolled students: reimbursement of accommodation / local transport costs (up to 850 EUR/month)
• Recent graduates: CIP allowance (1200 EUR/month)
• Reimbursement of relocation costs: (up to 500 EUR)

More information on the internship

Further information about the position can be obtained from Katja Spanz ([email protected])

Application and deadline

Applicants are requested to:

• Complete and submit this recruitment form by 27 September 2026, 23:59 CET;
• Send their CV (in English) to [email protected] by 27 September 2026, 23:59 CET with ‘Internship in AI policy, GRID’ in the subject line. For the CV, please use the Europass template (<https://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/>).

Applications received after the deadline, incomplete applications, or applications that do not follow the above instructions will not be considered.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview in the week of 5 October 2026.

CEPS is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.