Join a research group at RC Trust for up to 90 days and work on a focused project in trustworthy AI. The program welcomes applicants from around the world and covers travel, accommodation and living costs.

Application form coming soon Explore our research groups

2027 applications will open soon. Deadline: 31 December 2026

Your research stay

Work on a research question that matters

The Research Center Trustworthy Data Science and Security brings together researchers from computer science, statistics, IT security, psychology and related disciplines.

As an intern, you will join one of our research groups and contribute to a defined project. You will discuss ideas and methods with experienced researchers, gain insight into academic research and become part of an international community.

Explore our research and groups

Trustworthy AI

Reliability, explainability and responsible machine learning.

Security and privacy

Secure systems, privacy-preserving methods and formal guarantees.

Human-AI interaction

How people understand, use and shape intelligent systems.

Statistics and data science

Robust methods for complex data and real-world applications.

Duration
up to 90 days
Funding
Travel, accommodation and living costs
Locations
Bochum, Dortmund or Duisburg-Essen
Working language
English

What the program offers

Develop your research through close collaboration

Hands-on research

Work on a current question and experience how research develops through discussion, experimentation and critical reflection.

Academic exchange

Collaborate with researchers who introduce you to their methods, current projects and research culture.

Interdisciplinary perspectives

Discover how technical and human-centered approaches can complement each other.

Perspectives for your next step

An internship may lead to a thesis, continued collaboration or another academic opportunity.

Intern experiences

What former participants say

Portrait of Daniil Filienko
“This program gives you everything you need: time, computational resources and a supportive, collaborative environment.”

Daniil FilienkoPrivacy-preserving natural language processing

Read Daniil’s story
Portrait of Chris Reimann
“Being surrounded by passionate researchers from different backgrounds, all united by the goal of making AI more trustworthy.”

Chris ReimannSafe reinforcement learning

Read Chris’s story
Portrait of Mihir Upadhyay
“There was no hierarchy. Anyone could contribute, and that freedom made the work truly engaging.”

Mihir UpadhyayDiversity in large language model responses

Read Mihir’s story

Application process

How to apply

Applications are competitive and must be submitted through the online form. The form is currently being prepared and will be added to this page.

  1. Explore our research

    Identify the topics and groups that best match your interests.

  2. Complete the form

    Enter your information in the online application tool once it is available.

  3. Submit on time

    The deadline for the 2027 program is 31 December 2026.

  4. Receive the result

    Applicants will be informed around the end of January or beginning of February.

Who can apply? Bachelor’s and Master’s students, doctoral researchers, postdoctoral researchers and professionals from industry are equally welcome. Interdisciplinary experience is helpful but not required.

Travel, accommodation and living costs are covered. If practical questions arise while planning your stay, the RC Trust team will help you find the relevant information and contacts.

Frequently asked questions

Planning your internship

Who can apply?

Bachelor’s and Master’s students, doctoral researchers, postdoctoral researchers and professionals from industry are equally welcome.

Is the internship fully funded?

Yes. Travel, accommodation and living costs are covered.

Do I need to speak German?

No. The main working language at RC Trust is English.

Can the internship become part of a thesis?

An internship can potentially be connected to a Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis, depending on the project and the requirements of the academic institutions involved.

Can I apply by email?

No. Applications are accepted only through the online form.

Internship Program 2027

Applications will open soon

Deadline: 31 December 2026

Questions about the program?
internship@rc-trust.ai

Application form coming soon

Intern stories

Research stays that create new perspectives

Portrait of Nadya Hanaveriesa

From internship to PhD

A research stay that shaped the next step

During her internship with the Human Understanding of Algorithms and Machines group, Nadya Hanaveriesa explored strategic reasoning in human-AI interaction. The experience helped her clarify the research questions she wants to pursue. In December 2026, she will return to the group as a PhD researcher.

Read Nadya’s story
Portrait of Danyang Peng

Inclusive research in practice

When feelings take shape in virtual space

Danyang Peng explored how children can map emotions onto a virtual body. Her project combines Virtual Reality, inclusive interaction and real-world collaboration with teachers, therapists and children.

Read Danyang’s story
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