10/16/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/17/2024 07:01
The UK government has launched a new grants programme aimed at enhancing society's resilience against potential AI risks. Introduced on October 15, 2024, this initiative is a partnership between the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Innovate UK, both part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
The Programme Priorities
The programme's primary focus is to support research addressing various AI-related challenges, including mitigating risks from deepfakes and misinformation, enhancing cybersecurity against AI-driven attacks, and addressing potential AI system failures in critical sectors.
The Funding Details
With a total fund of £8.5 million, the programme's first phase will allocate £4 million to support approximately 20 projects. Each successful project can receive up to £200,000 in funding. This initiative seeks to boost public confidence in AI technology while supporting responsible and trustworthy AI development, aligning with the government's broader strategy to harness AI's potential for economic growth and public service improvement.
The Application Process
The application process is open to UK-based organisations, with a deadline set for November 26, 2024. Importantly, the programme encourages international collaboration, recognising the global nature of AI development and its challenges. Applicants will be evaluated based on the potential impact of their research in addressing AI-related risks.
The call is now open and applicants can apply hereby 26 November. AISI will be hosting a Webinar to answer questions about the grant programme, you can sign up via this link: Sign Up Form for the Webinar.
Opportunities for Membership to Engage and Timeline
By involving a diverse range of expertise from both academia and industry, the initiative aims to develop practical solutions that can be implemented in real-world scenarios.
Industry involvement is crucial for ensuring that the research outcomes are relevant and applicable to current and future AI deployments across various sectors.
The timeline for the programme is structured to maintain momentum in this rapidly evolving field. After the application deadline in November, successful applicants will be announced in late January 2025, with the first round of grants awarded in February 2025. This swift process reflects the urgency and importance of addressing AI safety concerns.
Conclusions
This grants programme is a significant step in the UK's approach to AI safety and ethics. By supporting research into systemic AI safety, the initiative aims to identify critical risks and develop long-term solutions for AI deployment in essential sectors such as healthcare and energy services. It reflects a balanced and proportionate approach to regulation, seeking to foster innovation while safeguarding public interests.
Organisations interested in contributing to the development of safe and trustworthy AI systems for the benefit of society are encouraged to apply through the dedicated website. This programme offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of AI safety and ethics, ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of responsible AI development and deployment.
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Peter Kyle said:
Peter Kyle
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology
AI Safety Institute Chair Ian Hogarth, said:
Ian Hogarth
AI Safety Institute Chair