UKRI
AIRR Compute Opportunity – AI Open Access
Rolling/open; no monetary funding — compute resource (GPU access on Isambard-AI) only
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The AIRR Compute Opportunity provides GPU access on the Isambard-AI cluster for UK-based researchers and organisations pursuing AI-driven scientific discovery, with no cash funding but free compute resource allocation. The rolling call is open to UK-registered businesses, research organisations, charities, and not-for-profits, with project leads required to be at lecturer level or equivalent on contracts exceeding the project duration. Priority research areas include AI for scientific discovery, engineering biology, fusion energy, materials science, medical research, and quantum technology.
Details
| Funder | UKRI |
| Application | Single stage via AIRRPortal; includes distributed peer review (DPR) by fellow applicants |
| Frequency | Continuous |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Provides GPU compute access (no cash funding) on the Isambard-AI cluster for AI-driven scientific discovery. Open to UK-registered businesses, UKRI-eligible research organisations, charities, and not-for-profits. Project lead must hold a contract longer than the proposed project and be at lecturer/equivalent level or above. Priority areas: AI for scientific discovery, engineering biology, fusion energy, materials science, medical research, quantum technology.
Who Should Apply
- •Researchers at UK-registered universities, research institutes, and eligible organisations
- •Project leads at lecturer level or equivalent with contracts longer than the proposed project
- •Teams working on AI applications in scientific discovery, engineering biology, fusion, materials, medicine, or quantum technology
- •Researchers without access to significant local GPU compute resources
Key Dates
- •Rolling deadline, apply via AIRRPortal at any time
- •Single-stage review with distributed peer evaluation by fellow applicants
- •Project duration flexible, but lead must hold institutional contract exceeding project length
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Emphasise the computational bottleneck your research faces; reviewers (your peers) assess feasibility of the compute request relative to the science.
- ✓Clarify how the GPU access removes a barrier to discovery, unfunded compute-intensive projects have an edge here.
- ✓Check your institutional eligibility and confirm your contract length before submission; the peer review is single-stage, so gatekeeping issues delay the whole process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the AIRR Compute Opportunity provide cash funding?
No, the opportunity provides free GPU compute access on Isambard-AI only, with no direct monetary grant.
Who is eligible for the AIRR Compute Opportunity?
UK-registered research organisations, universities, businesses, charities, and not-for-profits. The project lead must hold a contract longer than the proposed project and be at lecturer level or above.
Is the AIRR Compute Opportunity deadline fixed or rolling?
The call is rolling and open continuously; applications are reviewed via distributed peer review as they arrive.
What research areas does the AIRR Compute Opportunity prioritise?
AI-driven scientific discovery, engineering biology, fusion energy, materials science, medical research, and quantum technology.
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