Swansea University has been selected to host the Google DeepMind Research Ready Programme, an initiative aimed at expanding access to artificial intelligence (AI) research for students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. This fully funded, eight-week program will run from June 8 to July 31, 2026, as part of a broader national initiative supported by Founding Partners Google DeepMind and The Hg Foundation, as well as the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the Royal Academy of Engineering.
The program, delivered by the university’s Computer Science Department, seeks to provide undergraduate students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge AI research. Participants will work within Swansea’s £32.5 million Computational Foundry, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to computational and mathematical sciences, fostering an environment conducive to innovative research.
Selected students will engage in supervised research projects focusing on various domains such as machine learning, robotics, natural language processing, explainable AI, bioinformatics, and deep learning. They will also receive weekly training in data science from a Turing Fellow and participate in a datathon challenge in collaboration with Welsh industry partners. A final research conference will provide an opportunity for students to present their findings.
In addition to research activities, participants will hone critical skills such as academic writing, data analysis, and effective presentation, all of which are essential for further academic pursuits or careers in the tech industry. Importantly, no prior research experience is necessary; the program aims to attract candidates who demonstrate curiosity and enthusiasm for research, regardless of their academic backgrounds.
To enhance accessibility, the programme offers a stipend of £441 per week, free on-campus accommodation, and coverage of travel costs. This financial support allows students to fully concentrate on their research without the burden of financial concerns.
Dr. Megan Venn-Wycherley, Programme Co-Lead, emphasized the program’s mission: “Artificial Intelligence is transforming society, but access to research careers in AI remains uneven. The Research Ready Programme is about opening doors — giving talented students who may not have seen themselves as ‘researchers’ the opportunity to work alongside leading academics, build confidence, and see what a future in AI could look like.”
Eligible applicants for this program must be UK residents, be in their penultimate year or have completed an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related technical field, and meet at least one widening participation criterion. These criteria include eligibility for free school meals, residing in the lowest two deciles of the Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) or Participation of Local Areas (POLAR), having experience of local authority care, or receiving full state maintenance support.
Interested candidates can attend an online information webinar scheduled for February 25, 2026, with applications closing on March 15, 2026. This initiative not only aims to empower the next generation of AI researchers but also reflects a growing recognition of the need for diversity and inclusion within the tech field, ensuring that a wide range of voices can contribute to the future of technology.
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