Company Overview

The Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University is a leading research institute founded in 1997 (initially as the Berkman Center) focused on exploring the impact of the internet and digital technologies on society, law, policy, and ethics. It operates as a small, interdisciplinary hub (staff, fellows, and affiliates rather than thousands of employees) within Harvard Law School, emphasizing open-access publications, AI ethics, online harms, equity, and digital well-being. The Center is influential in academia and policy, producing reports like the 2025 Action Report on AI research agendas, including hiring a Chief AI Scientist and launching open-source tools.

Recent strategic directions include a sharpened AI focus, projects on platform accountability, mental health in digital spaces, and youth digital participation. The culture fosters collaboration among researchers, fellows, and students via clinics (e.g., Cyberlaw Clinic), events, and action-oriented research such as Global Access in Action on digital equity.

Program & Position Details

No public details exist on a "Summer 2026 Internship Program - Non-Technical and Technical AI Workstreams" at Berkman Klein Center in available sources; it may be an emerging or unannounced opportunity tied to their 2025 AI agenda expansion (e.g., Chief AI Scientist hire, open-source AI tools). The structure likely mirrors past student involvement: 8-12 week summer programs with research sprints, publications, and events on AI ethics, interpretability (e.g., "Inside the Black Box" dashboard), and societal impacts.

Daily responsibilities would involve research assistance, tool-building, report drafting, and event support, with learning via real-world projects like AI accountability infrastructure. Mentorship comes from faculty/staff (e.g., directors like Peter Suber on open access, J. Nathan Matias on online harms); training through clinics and workshops.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Technical Skills: AI tools, data analysis, open-source development
• Non-Technical Skills: Policy analysis, ethics, research writing, equity-focused projects
• Core Competencies: Interdisciplinary thinking, as seen in fellows' work on harmful speech and digital well-being
• Soft Skills: Critical thinking, ethical reasoning, collaboration
• Backgrounds: Law, computer science, philosophy, or related fields

Application Process

No specific 2026 program details (requirements, deadlines) are available—monitor cyber.harvard.edu/careers or hls.harvard.edu for postings, as recruitment occurs via Harvard channels. The general process for Berkman student roles includes:

1. Submit resume, cover letter (1–2 pages emphasizing AI ethics interest), transcript, and writing sample via online portal
2. Apply early via Harvard careers site (deadlines typically February–April for summer)
3. Prepare for 2–3 virtual interviews

Common interview questions may include:

• "How would you address AI bias in platform governance?"
• "Analyze ethical implications of open-source AI tools" (draw from BKC topics like interpretability dashboards)

No evidence of assessment centers; expect case studies on digital equity or harmful speech scenarios.

Company Culture & Values

The Berkman Klein Center fosters a collaborative culture among researchers, fellows, and students through clinics, events, and action-oriented research. Core values include:

• Justice
• Equity
• Inclusion
• Open access to knowledge
• Ethical tech governance

These values are evident in initiatives on harmful speech, algorithmic bias, and digital ethics during crises such as COVID-19.

Interview Process & Insider Tips

• Be precise and cite sources (e.g., "Your 2025 AI Report inspires my work on...")
• Show remote self-motivation and ability to work independently
• Demonstrate industry knowledge: Reference BKC reports on AI agendas, platform harms, youth digital participation
• Ask thoughtful questions: "How will the Chief AI Scientist shape 2026 workstreams?" or "What open-source AI projects can interns contribute to?"

Practical Information

Duration/start: Likely June–August 2026 (standard summer), 10–12 weeks, fully remote (USA-eligible).