Swansea University has been selected to participate in the Google DeepMind Research Ready Programme, a fully funded initiative aimed at increasing access to artificial intelligence (AI) research for undergraduate students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. Running from July 8 to July 31, 2026, the program seeks to provide these students with hands-on research experience at the forefront of AI, enabling them to engage alongside leading academics in the field.
The Research Ready Programme is part of a broader national effort supported by key organizations, including Google DeepMind, The Hg Foundation, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), and the Royal Academy of Engineering. By offering resources and opportunities, the program aims to address the uneven access to research careers in AI, which has been a persistent issue within the sector.
The program will unfold at Swansea’s state-of-the-art £32.5 million research facility, the Computational Foundry, which focuses on computational and mathematical sciences. Participants must meet specific eligibility criteria to apply, and successful candidates will be able to present their findings online as well as at a final research conference. In addition, selected researchers will receive targeted training and one-on-one career development support.
To ensure accessibility, Swansea University will provide participants with a weekly stipend of £441, free on-campus accommodation, and covered travel expenses. This financial support is designed to minimize barriers for students who may otherwise struggle to engage in such research opportunities.
Dr. Megan Venn-Wycherley, Programme Co-Lead, emphasized the transformative impact of AI on society and the importance of equitable access to research careers. “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,” she stated.
Further details about the program will be shared in an upcoming online webinar scheduled for February 25, with applications closing on March 15. This initiative not only seeks to cultivate the next generation of AI researchers but also aims to foster a more diverse and inclusive environment within the field.
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