UKRI has launched an outline call for Turing AI Pioneer Interdisciplinary Fellowships which is closing on 14 October. The University of Bath has an institutional limit of four applications with internal selection deadline 2 September. This involves returning a light touch Expression of Interest (EOI) form.

External candidates are also welcome to apply but will need to consult with and name a suitable potential supervisor who is supportive of the application.

Call summary

Call: Turing AI Pioneer Interdisciplinary Fellowships

Aim: This opportunity is for established researchers from across UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) remit, without a background in core artificial intelligence (AI) research, who want to build domain relevant AI capability and develop advanced AI approaches to tackle a specific research challenge in their chosen field. Funding: £500,000 - £2,187,500 up to 3 yrs

Deadline: 14 October 2025 (outline)

Institutional limit: 4 applications

Remit: No restrictions - remit open across all UKRI funders but “opportunity aims to support the delivery of the UK Government AI Opportunities Action Plan (AIOP)”

Total funding commitment across UKRI: Investing in up to 12 Turing AI Pioneer Interdisciplinary Fellowships

Eligibility: “Diverse career paths mean that no standardised eligibility criteria will be set.” “This opportunity is aimed at established researchers without a background in core AI research but a vision for how the use of advanced AI techniques could enable potentially transformative new avenues in their research and that of their broader community.”

Start date: Must start on 1 October 2026

Outline application: 500 word summary, 3 page vision/approach, 500 word narrative CV and outline costs

Internal selection process

  • 29 July: Openly Launch and promote the demand management scheme
  • 1 August – 2 September (Deadline): Invite short Expressions of Interest (EoI) forms (1 page project outline and pre-existing narrative CV or traditional CV)
  • 3 Sept – 10 September: Application review and selection meeting. Applicants notified of outcome
  • 11 September: UKRI webinar
  • 11 September – 14 October: 4 selected applicants have ~1 month to put together their outline application with RIS and Department support

Contact Dr Andrew Staphnill, Research Development team within Research and Impact Services (RIS): as5793@bath.ac.uk (cc'ing team inbox resdev@bath.ac.uk).