UKRI announces AI training scheme

The scheme will help train the next generation of AI researchers for careers in academia, business and the public sector.

Up to 15 centres will be supported subject to successful business case approval by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and HM Treasury.

CDTs provide cohort-based doctoral education, and the latest funding is part of a £100m AI training programme that began in 2019 and is run by the UKRI with 14 partner universities.

The CDT programme also features partnerships with more than 300 organisations including the NHS, AstraZeneca, Rolls-Royce and Google.

Priority areas for AI funding identified by UKRI include science and research; health; environment and energy; sustainable agriculture and food; defence and security; creative industries; and responsible and trustworthy AI.

Cross-cutting priorities also noted by UKRI are using AI to increase business productivity, resilience and increased competitiveness across the economy, and the application of AI to government policy and public services to improve effectiveness and efficiency.

Co-creation of AI tools between different disciplines and engagement with industry and users of research are strongly encouraged in applications, according to UKRI, with interdisciplinary proposals based across the remit of two or more UKRI councils particularly welcomed.

Outline applications for the latest cohorts will be accepted from November 2022 and close in February 2023, with the first cohorts of trainees beginning in the 2024 to 2025 academic year.