Internship and Fellowship Policy

Institute of Applied Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (IAAIR)
Last updated: 06/17/2025

1. Purpose

This policy outlines the framework for managing internship and research fellowship programs at the Institute of Applied Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (IAAIR). It defines the standards, expectations, and responsibilities associated with short-term research and learning engagements, ensuring a productive, ethical, and mutually beneficial experience for all participants.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all individuals engaged in formal internship or fellowship roles at IAAIR, including:

  • Undergraduate and graduate student interns

  • Research fellows (pre-doctoral, postdoctoral, or visiting)

  • International scholars on short-term research assignments

  • External collaborators receiving academic or institutional recognition

  • Supervised volunteers participating in research projects

It also applies to IAAIR supervisors, mentors, external academic advisors, and administrative teams involved in coordinating or supporting such roles.

3. Program Types

IAAIR offers the following experiential research opportunities:

3.1 Internships

Structured, short-term roles (typically 8–16 weeks) designed to expose students or early-career professionals to applied AI research. Interns contribute to ongoing projects under the supervision of an IAAIR researcher or team.

3.2 Research Fellowships

Longer-term roles (3-24 months) for individuals with advanced academic or professional experience. Fellows typically lead or co-lead a research initiative, publish findings, and collaborate with IAAIR teams.

3.3 Visiting Scholars

Individuals from partner institutions conducting short-term research at IAAIR, with or without financial support, often under formal exchange or MoU agreements.

4. Eligibility and Selection

4.1 Interns

  • Must be enrolled in or recently graduated from a degree program in AI, data science, computer science, engineering, or a relevant discipline

  • Must demonstrate academic merit and research interest

  • International candidates must meet U.S. visa requirements and provide required documentation (e.g., CPT/OPT/J-1)

4.2 Fellows

  • Must hold a relevant graduate degree (e.g., MS, PhD) or equivalent experience

  • Must submit a research proposal or statement of interest

  • May be nominated by a partner institution or selected through competitive review

All candidates are selected based on merit, alignment with IAAIR research goals, and supervisor availability. Exceptions to the above criteria may be considered on a case-by-case basis for candidates with a strong research profile and a demonstrated alignment with IAAIR’s core research focus areas, subject to approval by the Research Programs Office.

5. Terms of Appointment

All internships and fellowships are governed by a formal agreement that outlines:

  • Start and end dates

  • Scope of work and deliverables

  • Supervision and mentorship structure

  • Stipend or compensation (if applicable)

  • Intellectual property and publication rights

  • Data use and confidentiality obligations

  • Code of conduct and institutional policies

Interns and fellows must agree to comply with all IAAIR policies and complete orientation prior to starting.

6. Supervision and Evaluation

Each intern or fellow will be assigned a primary supervisor, who is responsible for:

  • Providing onboarding and project orientation

  • Setting research objectives and timelines

  • Conducting biweekly progress reviews

  • Offering technical and academic mentorship

  • Completing a final evaluation of performance and deliverables

Additional support may be provided by co-supervisors or external advisors where applicable.

7. Publications and Attribution

Interns and fellows who contribute significantly to a research project may be listed as co-authors on publications, reports, or presentations, in accordance with IAAIR’s Publication and Authorship Policy.

All public presentations, posters, or reports must:

  • Be reviewed by the supervising team

  • Receive internal approval from the Research Office prior to submission

  • Include correct IAAIR affiliation and appropriate acknowledgments

8. Intellectual Property (IP) and Confidentiality

IP developed during an internship or fellowship is subject to IAAIR’s Intellectual Property and Licensing Policy. Unless otherwise specified:

  • Innovations developed using IAAIR resources are considered institutional property

  • Interns and fellows may not publish or disclose proprietary information without written consent

  • All participants must sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prior to access to confidential materials

Open-source contributions may be permitted with prior approval. Additional IP rights, licensing conditions, or attribution expectations may apply depending on the nature of the project or funding source. Please refer to the IP and Licensing Policy for more details, which may apply in addition to this section.

9. Stipends and Support

IAAIR internships and fellowships may be:

  • Paid (with a monthly stipend or hourly wage)

  • Unpaid (e.g., academic credit, volunteer, or externally funded roles)

  • Partially funded (e.g., travel support or per-diem)

Financial support will be defined in the offer letter. IAAIR will also assist with:

  • Visa support and documentation (if applicable)

  • Workspace and computing resources

  • Access to internal research tools and seminars

10. Code of Conduct

Interns and fellows are expected to adhere to IAAIR’s Code of Conduct, which includes policies on:

  • Professional behavior and respectful collaboration

  • Anti-harassment and anti-discrimination

  • Responsible use of AI tools and computing resources

  • Research ethics, integrity, and attribution

Violations may result in early termination of the internship or fellowship.

11. Completion and Certification

Upon successful completion, interns and fellows will receive:

  • A formal Certificate of Completion

  • A written evaluation or letter of reference from the supervisor

  • Recognition in institutional reports or newsletters (if applicable)

Participants are encouraged to share feedback to help improve future programs.

12. Noncompliance and Early Termination

Internships or fellowships may be terminated early in cases of:

  • Academic misconduct or research violations

  • Breach of confidentiality or institutional policy

  • Lack of engagement or poor performance (after due warning)

In such cases, IAAIR reserves the right to revoke institutional access and withhold formal certification.

13. Contact

For inquiries, applications, or program support, please contact:

IAAIR Research Programs Office
📧 internships@iaair.ai