UKRI Enabling AI adoption across science and engineering

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has issued solicitation number 204237 for a one-year investment program aimed at enabling AI adoption across science and engineering. The initiative seeks to support approximately 20 grants, each valued at 200,000 pounds at 80 percent full economic cost, to fund ambitious and exploratory projects that integrate AI with domain expertise. The primary goals are to accelerate scientific discovery in the UK, strengthen collaborations between AI specialists and domain researchers, and embed AI as a research tool in a fair and inclusive manner. Key deliverables include identifying AI capabilities to transform research approaches, scoping new AI tools, and establishing the necessary skills and resources to ensure long-term sustainability. The program is aligned with the DSIT AI for Science strategy, the AI Opportunities Action Plan, and the EPSRC equality, diversity, and inclusion action plan. Applications must be submitted through the UKRI Funding Service and are evaluated based on vision and approach, team capability, risk and reward, cost justification, and ethics and responsible research and innovation. Proposals are scored on a scale from 1 to 6 and ranked within pools to determine award tiers. Strict confidentiality and ethical guidelines are enforced for reviewers, including a total ban on the use of generative AI for preparing reviews to protect intellectual property and maintain the integrity of the process.