UKRI funding in artificial intelligence (AI) tech design

AHRC and SSHRC invite expressions of interest to attend a humanities-led, interdisciplinary research sandpit putting humanities insights and methodologies at the heart of artificial intelligence (AI) tech design.The UKRI are looking for 60 participants from UK, Canadian and US research organisations to take part in in-person and virtual workshops.

During the sandpit process, teams will form, develop and refine project ideas through a facilitated process guided by the sandpit Director and Mentors.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: October 30, 2025
2. Value: £625,000
3. Study Level: Grants
4. Sponsor: UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
5. Course to study: Artificial Intelligence (AI)
6. Eligible Country: Canada, United Kingdom, United States

Eligibility Criteria for UKRI funding in artificial intelligence (AI) tech design (2025)

1. This funding opportunity is open to researchers based in the UK, Canada and the US.
2. As this is an interdisciplinary opportunity, we welcome researchers from outside the humanities to apply.
3. As projects will require the development of AI-related tools, we particularly encourage individuals with relevant technical expertise to apply.
4. As successful applicants will be able to bid for grant funding through the sandpit mechanism, you must be eligible to receive funding from either UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) or SSHRC.
5. Researchers in postdoctoral positions are unable to attend the in-person sandpit as they cannot act as lead investigators on grants. However, post-doctoral researchers can become members of the project teams once these are formed. If you are a post-doctoral researcher who is interested in this opportunity, please email International@ukri.org and we will keep a list that will be shared amongst project teams who may choose to contact you. Please note, we cannot guarantee you will be involved in any research project.

A sandpit is a facilitated workshop process through which new project teams and research propositions will be co-developed and funded.

Participants apply to attend the sandpit as individuals, and project proposals are generated during the workshops, not in advance.

This sandpit is jointly delivered by the UK’s AHRC through the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF), and SSHRC in partnership with the Alan Turing Institute and The University of Edinburgh.

The sandpit is directed by Professor Drew Hemment, lead of the Doing AI Differently initiative, based at The Alan Turing Institute and The University of Edinburgh.

Sandpit process

There are two elements to the sandpit process:

1. An expression of interest stage where sandpit attendees will be decided
2. the sandpit itself, where attendees will form teams, develop project ideas and submit an application for research funding

The expressions of interest stage includes:

1. submission of a short questionnaire
2. review of questionnaire responses and sending of invitations to successful applicants

The sandpit process will include:

1. a three-day in-person residential workshop in Canada in February 2026
2. a virtual workshop in April 2026
3. director- and mentor-facilitated application development, peer review and cohort support
4. support for up to four projects, which must begin on 1 October 2026

Benefits of UKRI funding in artificial intelligence (AI) tech design (2025)

£625,000 is available for UK-based team members, of which AHRC will pay 80%. CAD $800,000 is available for Canada-based team members. US-based team members may be part of funded UK or Canada teams, under certain conditions.

How to Apply

You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) as an individual to be considered for participation in the Sandpit.

You should not apply with a pre-formed project or team. Participants will co-develop projects through the sandpit process, supported by expert mentors and feedback from other sandpit participants. The assessment of applications developed during the sandpit will take place shortly after the end of the sandpit and will require the submission of proposals to AHRC.

Your submission will ask for:

1. a brief summary of your disciplinary background and research focus
2. an explanation of how your work aligns with the aims of the Sandpit and the Doing AI Differently initiative
3. your interest in collaborative, transdisciplinary research
4. any access or support requirements

For more details, visit UKRI Scholarship webpage

Application Deadline

October 30, 2025

Application Link(s)

• Apply for UKRI funding in artificial intelligence (AI) tech design (2025)