Open Source UK AI Fellowship 2025 (Fully Funded)
Description
The Alan Turing Institute, in collaboration with the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and Meta, has launched an exciting opportunity for top AI researchers and technologists: the Open Source AI Fellowship 2025. This fully funded fellowship in the UK offers a 12-month immersive experience, focusing on open-source artificial intelligence in critical public sector applications.
Fellowship Overview
The Open Source AI Fellowship is designed to drive innovation by embedding fellows within DSIT, anchored at the Incubator for Artificial Intelligence (i.AI). Fellows will apply their expertise to solve complex, high-impact problems in areas such as national security, healthcare, and public policy. All use cases developed under this programme will be open-sourced for public benefit.
Degree Level
Open Source UK AI Fellowship 2025 (Fully Funded) is available to undertake Fellowship level programs at UK Universities.
Available Subjects
Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Machine Learning, Secure Systems Engineering, Computer Science, and other AI-related fields
Project Areas
Fellows will work on real-world public sector problems such as:
- AI Assistants for Sensitive Documents: Secure on-site document processing tools for national security and government use
- Legal AI Tools: AI systems trained on UK law for faster and fairer public decision-making
- Offline AI Systems for Crisis Management: AI solutions for emergency responders and NHS use during power or network outages
Benefits
- Duration: 12 months (starting January 2026)
- Funding: Salary reimbursement up to £85,000 per annum
- Host Organisations: The Alan Turing Institute, DSIT, i.AI
- Working Model: Hybrid (in-person at DSIT and remote work)
- Field of Work: AI research, secure systems engineering, open-source development
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for this prestigious AI research fellowship in the UK, candidates must:
- Have the legal right to work in the UK (no employer sponsorship allowed)
- Have resided in the UK for at least 5 years (Security Check clearance required)
- Be employed by a UK-based organisation (to allow secondment into DSIT)
- Hold a PhD or have equivalent professional experience in AI, data science, or related fields
- Secure employer support for the 12-month secondment
This fellowship is ideal for candidates with a strong technical background, entrepreneurial mindset, and the ability to architect and deploy complex AI systems.
Application Procedure
Fellowship Deadlines
- Call Opens: 14 July 2025
- Application Deadline: 18 August 2025 (midday)
- Fellowship Start Date: January 2026
- Duration: 12 months
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official Alan Turing Institute platform.
Click here to apply for the Open Source AI Fellowship
Why Apply?
This is a rare opportunity for AI professionals in the UK to contribute to high-stakes public sector AI solutions while advancing their own research and leadership profiles. The fellowship promotes open-source innovation, builds connections across government and academia, and supports the growth of a strong AI ecosystem in the UK.
