Overview
UKRI and EPSRC are funding speculative, high-risk fundamental research that could deliver a step change in the explainability of future AI systems. The total fund is £12.05 million and project full economic cost can be up to £602,500.
Complete grant details
This is the first opportunity under the UKRI IS8 AI Programme. UKRI funds 80% of full economic cost, up to £482,000 on a project with maximum FEC of £602,500. Projects must start on 1 February 2027 and can run for up to 24 months.
Eligibility requirements
The project lead must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding. Early- and mid-career researchers are encouraged. International participation is allowed only through the arrangements and project-partner roles described in the official UKRI rules.
Tips for this grant
Practical Job and Scholarship guidance. These tips do not replace official rules or create new eligibility requirements.
- Check eligibility, funding coverage, study/project level and every required document before investing time in the application.
- Prepare transcripts, references, language tests, proposal/motivation statement and proof documents early.
- Separate the scholarship deadline from any university/program admission deadline; they may be different.
- Treat “fully funded” as a source fact only when the official provider explicitly confirms the covered costs.
Verification notes
Reverified on UKRI Funding Finder on 30 August 2026. The call is Open and confirms a £12.05 million total fund, £602,500 maximum FEC, opening 11 August 2026 and closing 20 October 2026 at 4:00 PM UK time. The UK is on BST on that date, so the structured deadline is 15:00 UTC.
Job and Scholarship is the discovery and verification layer. Confirm eligibility, dates, salary/funding and application instructions on the original source before submitting anything.
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