AI BriefingNew Research Grant for AI and Mental Health Research
Key point
OpenAI will fund independent researchers studying the interaction between AI and mental health with up to $2 million.
Details
OpenAI is running a research grant program of up to $2 million to support independent research exploring the intersection of AI and mental health. The program aims to understand the potential risks and benefits that may arise as AI becomes deeply embedded in people's lives, and to build a safer AI ecosystem.
Priority will be given to interdisciplinary research in which technical researchers and mental health professionals, or those with lived experience, collaborate. The expected concrete outputs of the research include:
- Datasets, evals, and rubrics
- Practical data such as cultural differences in mental health symptoms and insights into the use of specific languages and slang
According to an update on January 28, 2026, the grant program closed successfully after receiving more than 1,000 high-quality applications from around the world. OpenAI plans to use the insights gained from this research to continue strengthening the safety and well-being features of its models.
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