Next generation artificial intelligence (AI): explainable AI

Overview

This UKRI and EPSRC funding supports speculative, high-risk fundamental research that could bring a step change in the explainability of future AI systems. It is the first opportunity under the UKRI IS8 AI Programme and is run as a pilot. UKRI is investing up to £10 million over two years. You can ask for a full economic cost of up to £602,500. UKRI pays 80% of that, which is up to £482,000. This is a maximum, not a target, and smaller proposals are welcome. Projects must start on 1 February 2027 and last for up to 24 months. It suits researchers based at a UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding. Early and mid-career researchers are particularly welcome, and joint leadership is allowed. Ideas from mathematics, computer science, AI and other relevant disciplines are welcome. You should be ready to explain why your idea is truly speculative and why other funding routes would not suit it. The funding can cover staff time, research and technical staff, compute and other consumables, travel, data sharing and indirect costs. It will not cover PhD studentships or single items of equipment over £25,000. Mostly non-technical research, such as purely social science, legal, policy or ethical studies, will not be funded. The closing date is 20 October 2026 at 4:00pm. One practical point: every application goes through distributed peer review, so your team will review around eight other proposals. If reviews are not delivered on time, your own proposal is automatically rejected. Funding is also subject to full business case approval. Official source: https://www.find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/next-generation-artificial-intelligence-ai-explainable-ai-grant-1. Last checked by GrantMatch on 15 October 2026.