EPSRC Turing AI Global Fellowships (internal deadline: 12 January, 2026)

The EPSRC has announced the Turing AI Global Fellowships. This fellowship funding opportunity is for exceptional Artificial Intelligence (AI) researchers currently based outside of the UK. EPSRC will fund up to 5 fellowships worth £4.5 million per fellowship over 5 years. The aim of the scheme is to fund established AI researchers from outside the UK who will build world leading, multidisciplinary research groups to undertake transformational core AI research and make a significant impact on the UK’s AI research and innovation landscape. EPSRC welcomes applications from those working in AI at a fundamental or theoretical level and those who work at the interface between AI and another discipline. Note that the proposed work must develop AI beyond the current state of the art. This opportunity may exceptionally provide funding for up to a maximum of 3 doctoral students.

Host organisations must work with applicants to agree to a tailored and substantial support package which is expected to be above and beyond that of a standard fellowship and commensurate with the national strategic need to invest in the applicant. This may include, but is not limited to: access to world-class facilities, infrastructure, services, equipment, resources, strategic partnerships or other support.

Eligibility 

Please note the following points about eligibility.

  • Applicants must have been outside of the UK for at least 24 months prior to submitting an application
  • Before the start of the fellowship grant, applicants must have physically relocated to the UK and be considered a UK resident and an academic employee – lecturer or equivalent – of an eligible organisation for this opportunity
  • There are no standardised eligibility criteria for this fellowship due to the diversity of career paths in AI. EPSRC defines established researchers as those who have experience of 
    • strategical leadership and management of programme(s)
    • leading and managing team(s) and resources
    • having established, or are in the process of establishing, a clear research specialism
    • having a high or rising international standing in AI who can contribute to the growth and development of the UK’s AI community and economy
  • There is no nationality requirement. Prospective applicants may or may not have UK citizenship. 

For more information, please see the call webpage.  

University Internal selection:  

Institutions can only submit 2 applications as lead organisation. Therefore, this call will be managed according to the University’s restricted calls procedure. Your Department’s Research Grants Team and/or Departmental Administrator (or equivalent) must be made aware of your internal application, and a support letter signed by the Head of Department is required. 

To take part in the internal selection, please complete our online form by 12 January, 2026 (NB: if asked to log-in, please use your CRSID/Raven details; note that a Form cannot be saved and returned to).     

You will need the following documents and information to complete the Form:  

  • Project summary (900 words max)addressing the following 3 areas
    • Vision and approach
    • Strengthening the UK’s AI Ecosystem
    • Applicant and team capability to deliver
  • Narrative CV for the fellow, following the UKRI guidance on R4RI (1,650 words or 4 pages max)
  • a support letter from the Head of the Department that will host the award confirming their support for the project and agreement to host the award. The letter should also note awareness of and include details of the tailored and substantial support package which is expected to be above and beyond that of a standard fellowship and commensurate with the national strategic need to invest in the applicant. This may include, but is not limited to: access to world-class facilities, infrastructure, services, equipment, resources, strategic partnerships or other support.

Internal Assessment Criteria:

Please note that the assessment of internal applications will focus on the following core funder criteria: 

  • Vision and approach
  • Strengthening the UK’s AI Ecosystem
  • Applicant and team capability to deliver

Funder deadline: 12 March, 2026. If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us at researchstrategy@admin.cam.ac.uk.