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Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

Next generation artificial intelligence (AI): explainable AI

Funding for speculative, high-risk fundamental research in explainable AI.

OpenEngineering and Physical Sciences Research CouncilUnited Kingdom

This opportunity supports speculative and high-risk fundamental research with the potential to deliver high reward and a step change in the explainability of future artificial intelligence (AI) systems.

It is for applicants based at a UK research organisation eligible for UK Research and Innovation funding. Applications are particularly welcome from early and mid-career researchers.

Projects sho…

The opportunity supports research working towards a demonstrable impact on AI technology and building the UK’s capacity to design and deploy explainable AI technologies. It will not support incremental work lacking ambition to push the boundaries of AI explainability, continuation of existing projects, or applications consisting of majority non-technical research such as purely social science, legal, policy or ethical studies.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.No fixed schedule
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.20 Oct 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.1–24 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.—
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.£12.1M

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Last verified: 27 Aug 2026Funder reference: ukri-post-199196Source: www.ukri.org