UKRI
Next Generation Artificial Intelligence (AI): Explainable AI
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UKRI's Next Generation AI: Explainable AI scheme funds high-risk, fundamental research to advance the explainability of future AI systems, offering up to £482,000 (80% FEC) for projects up to 24 months. The call targets researchers across technical and scientific disciplines who can combine AI expertise with domain knowledge to tackle interpretability challenges; applications are particularly welcome from early and mid-career researchers. International co-leads may participate under bilateral UKRI-RCN or UKRI-IIASA agreements, while other international collaborators can join as partners.
Details
| Funder | UKRI |
| Budget | Up to £482,000 (80% of £602,500 FEC) |
| Deadline | 20 October 2026 |
| Duration | Up to 24 months |
| Consortium | Optional — international researchers may join as project co-lead (international) under UKRI-RCN or UKRI-IIASA agreements; other international collaborators listed as project partners |
| Application | Single stage |
| Frequency | One-off |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Fundamental, speculative, high-risk/high-reward research to advance explainability of future AI systems. UK research organisations only as lead; UKRI funds 80% of FEC (max £602,500 FEC). Fixed project start date of 1 February 2027. Applications particularly welcome from early and mid-career researchers. No PhD studentship costs or equipment >£25k per item. Purely social science, legal, policy or ethical studies are out of scope.
Who Should Apply
- •Early and mid-career researchers with expertise in machine learning, statistics, or computational methods
- •Researchers based at UK research organisations (lead applicant requirement)
- •Multidisciplinary teams pairing AI/ML specialists with domain experts (e.g. physics, biology, engineering)
- •Projects combining fundamental AI research with explanatory depth, not purely applied tooling
- •Teams with capacity to deliver 24-month projects on a fixed start date (1 February 2027)
Key Dates
- •Deadline 20 October 2026 at 16:00 UK time
- •Single-stage application and assessment
- •Fixed project start: 1 February 2027; projects run up to 24 months
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Frame your research as fundamental and high-risk; UKRI explicitly seeks speculative work that pushes explainability boundaries, not incremental tool refinement.
- ✓If using international co-leads, confirm eligibility under UKRI-RCN or UKRI-IIASA agreements early, compliance is gating for lead roles.
- ✓Avoid framing purely as social science, legal, policy or ethics: pair any social/policy insight with technical AI research to stay in scope.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the budget for UKRI Next Generation AI Explainable AI?
Up to £482,000, which represents 80% of a maximum Full Economic Cost of £602,500. The remaining 20% may be covered by your institution's contribution.
Who can be the lead applicant for UKRI Explainable AI?
Only UK research organisations can lead the project. International researchers may join as co-leads under UKRI-RCN or UKRI-IIASA bilateral agreements; other international collaborators participate as partners.
How long do Explainable AI projects run?
Up to 24 months, with a fixed start date of 1 February 2027.
Can I include PhD studentship costs in my Explainable AI application?
No, PhD studentship costs are not eligible. Equipment costs are capped at £25,000 per item.
Is a purely social science or policy study eligible under this call?
No, purely social science, legal, policy or ethical studies are out of scope, projects must have a substantial AI/technical research component.
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