UK Government Launches £4 Million Fellowship Programme to Explore AI’s Impact on Scientific Research

The UK government has unveiled the £4 million AI Metascience Fellowship Programme, inviting applications to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming scientific research. Announced by Science Minister Lord Vallance on 13 February 2025, this initiative aims to fund studies into AI’s impact on research practices, ethical considerations, and economic effects within the scientific community.

Metascience, the study of how science operates, focuses on improving research methodologies, funding structures, and institutional processes to enhance the effectiveness and application of scientific discoveries. By understanding the factors that make research more efficient, metascience seeks to accelerate breakthroughs, thereby contributing to economic growth and societal advancement.

The AI Metascience Fellowship Programme will address key questions, including:

• How is AI reshaping the research landscape and influencing scientists’ daily work?

• What ethical concerns arise from AI-driven research, such as biases and transparency in AI-generated discoveries?

• What are the economic impacts, including changes in research employment and funding priorities?

This fellowship builds upon the momentum of the recent AI Action Summit, where global leaders discussed strategies to ensure AI development benefits society and is implemented in the public interest. AI is already revolutionizing research, with examples like DeepMind’s AlphaFold accelerating drug discovery, AI-powered lab robotics automating complex experiments, and machine learning transforming data analysis.

The programme will also examine how governments and businesses should respond to AI-driven science, ensuring that it remains rigorous and delivers reliable outcomes. It aims to support researchers in maximizing their creative potential by reducing time spent on mundane tasks. Funding will be allocated to researchers applying their expertise to examine AI’s broader effects on research. The £4 million UK programme will run alongside a US-based cohort funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, creating a transatlantic research effort to examine AI’s impact on science. Fellows from both countries will attend a fully funded summer school, strengthening international collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Applications are especially encouraged from projects exploring:

• The impact of AI on research jobs and skills.

• How AI affects the speed of scientific progress.

• Challenges in ensuring AI-driven research remains reliable and explainable.

The application window is open from 13 February 2025 to 10 April 2025. Prospective applicants can find more information and submit their proposals through the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funding portal.

This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to harnessing AI’s potential to enhance scientific research while addressing the ethical and economic implications of its integration into the research ecosystem.