Notice

UK-Canada AI safety researcher exchange programme

Competition for AI safety researchers in the UK or Canada to receive funding for logistical costs for a temporary exchange in the other country.

Documents

UK-based applicants: apply at Mitacs website

Canada-based applicants: contact a Mitacs advisor

Details

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), in partnership with Mitacs, a Canadian not-for-profit organisation that empowers innovation, has launched a new funding initiative for UK and Canadian AI and machine learning researchers who wish to focus on AI safety.

Eligibility

PhD students and postdoctoral fellows with up to five years of experience are eligible to apply. The programme will cover the costs of travel, visas, and other logistical expenses, with each applicant receiving £3,500 (or the equivalent 6,000 Canadian dollars) to take part in exchanges which can last from three to six months.

The programme will:

  • make the transfer of expertise between the UK and Canada seamless
  • be co-administered by Mitacs and the UK Government’s Science and Innovation Network (SIN) in Canada. Applications will close on Tuesday 26 March 2024.

This specific funding opportunity is under the heading “United Kingdom: British High Commission Ottawa”.

Anyone who is interested are advised to discuss this opportunity with their supervisor to ascertain what links may already be held in the UK or Canada.

Additionally:

Background and objectives of the programme

In November 2023 the UK hosted the first ever global AI Safety Summit (AISS), chaired by the Prime Minister Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP and the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP, where a total of 28 countries agreed that AI “poses significant risks” and signed The Bletchley Declaration.

An important outcome of the AISS was the launch of the UK’s AI Safety Institute (AISI) to contribute to the growing body of evidence on the safety and risks of AI systems. Enabling collaboration between world-leading talent, and enhancing skills and training, are integral to achieving the combined vision of the Summit and Institute.

Updates to this page

Published 26 February 2024

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