Copenhagen Business School (CBS), Department of Business Humanities and Law, has invited applications for a PhD scholarship in AI Regulation and Risk. The PhD project will examine the risk-based nature of artificial intelligence regulation and digital regulation, with applicants able to approach the subject from either a policy perspective or a strategic and operational perspective.
The position is based in Copenhagen, Denmark, and is expected to begin on 1 February 2027. The PhD scholarship is offered for a period of three years. The application deadline is 27 September 2026.
About the PhD Research Project
The proposed PhD research will focus on how risk-based approaches are used in AI and digital regulation. Applicants may examine the policy side of regulation, including when risk-based regulation is considered appropriate, why policymakers choose this approach and how regulatory choices are shaped.
Alternatively, the research may focus on the strategic and operational side by examining how companies assess, manage and mitigate risks while operating within an increasingly intensive regulatory and compliance environment.
Possible research areas include risk-based regulation as a regulatory technique, the interaction between the EU AI Act, GDPR and sector-specific legislation, translating the EU AI Act into corporate governance, AI and cybersecurity accountability across value chains, and the political economy of EU digital lawmaking.
The PhD programme is highly international. Students will conduct research under the supervision of CBS professors and associate professors, participate in research-related PhD courses and are expected to attend international research conferences and spend time at another research institution as a visiting PhD student.
Eligibility and Academic Requirements
Applicants should have a basic education at master’s level corresponding to the 3+2 Bologna process. The department gives priority to candidates with strong academic records.
Applicants are required to have received a grade of 10 or equivalent for their master’s thesis under the Danish 7-point grading scale. They must also have a weighted grade point average of at least 8.2 for their bachelor’s and master’s degrees combined, or at least 9.5 for the master’s degree alone. Where these requirements are not met, documentation showing that the applicant was among the top 40% of the class may be accepted.
Candidates should have an educational background in law, regulation or related disciplines and must complete their master’s programme before commencing the PhD. A high level of academic English, both written and spoken, is also required.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a five-page PhD project description. The proposal should present an original research question, explain the initial theoretical framework and methodology, identify the proposed empirical material and provide a work plan covering the three-year PhD period.
The application should also include a motivation cover letter, bachelor’s and master’s degree certificates and transcripts, proof of being in the top 40% of the class where applicable, a concise CV, a list of publications if available and one example of written academic work, such as a master’s thesis.
Applicants do not need to provide documentation of English-language skills at the application stage, although such documentation may be requested if the candidate is shortlisted for an interview.
Salary and Funding
This is a fully salaried PhD position under the Danish national collective agreement. The three-year scholarship includes teaching obligations corresponding to 416 work hours.
According to the current CBS notification, the monthly salary is approximately DKK 30,264 to DKK 36,877, depending on seniority, along with a pension contribution of 18.07%. The scholarship also covers tuition fees, office space, course costs and travel costs in accordance with the current CBS agreement.
The position therefore provides an opportunity for researchers interested in AI law, digital regulation, technology law, cybersecurity, corporate compliance and EU regulatory policy to undertake doctoral research in an international academic environment.
How to Apply
The expected starting date for the PhD scholarship is 1 February 2027, and Copenhagen Business School must receive the complete application, including all required appendices, by 27 September 2026.
Interested candidates should carefully review the official eligibility criteria and application requirements before submitting their application through the CBS electronic recruitment system.
Position: PhD Scholarship in AI Regulation and Risk
Institution: Copenhagen Business School
Department: Department of Business Humanities and Law
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Duration: 3 years
Expected start date: 1 February 2027
Salary: DKK 30,264–36,877 per month + 18.07% pension contribution
Funding: Tuition fees, office space, course and travel costs
Application deadline: 27 September 2026
Official Application: Copenhagen Business School – PhD Scholarship in AI Regulation and Risk
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