The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Metascience Unit is offering a unique opportunity for early career researchers to explore the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the research landscape. This fellowship programme, supported by multiple UKRI councils and co-funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, provides up to £260,000 per fellowship for a duration of up to two years.
Key Details
- Opportunity Status: Open
- Funders: ESRC, AHRC, BBSRC, EPSRC, MRC, NERC, STFC
- Co-Funders: DSIT, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
- Funding Type: Fellowship
- Total Fund: £4,000,000
- Maximum Award: £260,000
- Publication Date: 13 February 2025
- Opening Date: 13 February 2025, 9:00 AM UK time
- Closing Date: 10 April 2025, 4:00 PM UK time
Fellowship Overview
The fellowship programme aims to deepen the understanding of how AI adoption is transforming the research ecosystem. This includes examining epistemic, metascientific, ethical, and socioeconomic implications and guiding how governments, industry, and funding organisations should respond.
Fellows will be funded to investigate:
- The evolving role of AI in scientific research and its impact on methodologies.
- The influence of AI on the pace of scientific progress.
- Explainability and alignment in scientific AI applications.
- The educational and training needs for AI-integrated research.
- Ethical and epistemic considerations in AI-driven research.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding.
- Open to early career researchers who have completed their PhD by the fellowship start date or can demonstrate equivalent experience.
- There are no restrictions based on years since PhD completion.
- Applicants should not have previously led an externally funded project or a significant programme in a commercial or academic setting.
- The programme does not support direct AI tool development but focuses on AI’s implications for science.
Funding and Duration
- Fellowships can be held for up to two years.
- UKRI will fund 80% of the Full Economic Cost (FEC), up to £260,000.
- Flexible working options are available, with part-time fellowships allowed down to 0.5 FTE.
- Fellows can dedicate up to six hours per week to other related commitments that enhance career development.
Application Process
Applicants must submit their proposals by 10 April 2025. Proposals must clearly outline research objectives, methodology, and alignment with the programme’s scope. Applications outside the scope will be rejected.
AI and Metascience Summer School
A fully funded summer school will be held in 2026, bringing together fellows from the UK and international counterparts supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. This event will feature expert-led sessions on AI for Science, AI philosophy, and metascience, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
What the Fellowship Covers
- Fellow salary costs
- Equipment and project-related items (excluding individual items over £10,000)
- Travel and subsistence expenses
- Impact-related costs
Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
UKRI welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive research environment. To learn more and submit your application, visit the UKRI Funding Service website.
Take the next step in your research journey—apply today and become part of the UKRI community!