Fundamental AI Research Lab

Document research last revised 2026-08-10.

Grant Name

Fundamental AI Research Lab

Opportunity Type

Strategic Research Funding Opportunity

Primary Research Area

Fundamental Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research

Training Grant

Up to £1.9 million FEC; EPSRC funds 100% of FEC to support a minimum of 10 doctoral students

Future Funding (Stage Gate)

Successful applicants may apply for a five-year research grant of up to £40 million FEC following a successful Stage Gate Review.

In-Kind Support

2 million GPU hours per year through the UK AI Research Resource (AIRR), subject to scheduling and prioritisation.

Intent to Apply Deadline

16 March 2026, 4:00 pm UK time (Mandatory)

Lead Applicant Requirements

Lead organisations must demonstrate world-leading expertise in fundamental AI research, an established AI strategy, a strong research environment, and the capability to establish and manage a strategic research lab.

International Participation

International researchers may participate as Project Co-Leads (International) under specific UKRI eligibility rules.

Research Focus

Novel, ambitious, curiosity-driven fundamental AI research that complements rather than duplicates existing industrial frontier AI labs. Research should have the potential to shape future AI model development.

Programme Objectives

Secure the UK's position in next-generation AI systems; strengthen the UK's AI talent pipeline; attract leading international researchers; build collaborative research networks; increase UK AI research capacity; attract inward investment; enable long-term economic and societal benefits. (UKRI)

Expected Outcomes

Establish a world-leading AI research lab, deliver breakthrough AI research, train future AI researchers, create national research capability, enable responsible AI innovation, and support translation of research into real-world applications where appropriate. (UKRI)

Eligible Training Costs

Tuition fees (UKRI rate), doctoral stipends, Research Training Support Grant (RTSG), management costs up to £350,000, training activities, and cohort development.

Eligible Equipment Costs

Equipment over £25,000 may be requested where justified under standard UKRI funding rules.

Doctoral Studentships

Minimum 10 doctoral students, six-year training programme, four-year studentships, with a maximum of 50% international students.

Industrial Collaboration

Strong collaboration with industry is encouraged, alongside knowledge exchange and research translation activities where appropriate.

Governance Requirements

Independent advisory board, regular engagement with EPSRC and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), monitoring framework, reporting requirements, and strategic oversight.

Monitoring & Reporting

Six-monthly progress updates, annual reporting, financial reporting, Stage Gate Review, and doctoral studentship reporting.

Environmental & EDI Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate environmental sustainability, responsible research and innovation, trusted research principles, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and appropriate governance throughout the programme.

Key Organisational Requirements

Evidence of world-leading AI expertise, established AI strategy, strong research capability, supportive doctoral training environment, governance structure, and ability to secure industrial leverage over the lifetime of the investment.

Important Conditions

Only one application per lead institution. Researchers may only appear on one bid. Failure to complete the mandatory Intent to Apply survey resulted in ineligibility. Withdrawn or office-rejected applications could not be resubmitted.

Contact Email

ai.robotics@epsrc.ukri.org

Funding Service Support

support@funding-service.ukri.org

Official Grant Page

https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/fundamental-ai-research-lab/

Application deadline in source document

31 March 2026, 4:00 pm UK time

Official source

Read the funding authority guidance