An invitation for expressions of interest to attend a humanities-led, interdisciplinary research sandpit putting humanities insights and methodologies at the heart of AI tech design.
A sandpit is a facilitated workshop process through which new project teams and research propositions will be co-developed and funded. During the sandpit process, teams would form and develop and refine project ideas for applications.
There are two elements to the sandpit process:
- an expressions of interest stage where sandpit attendees will be decided
- the sandpit itself where attendees will form teams, develop project ideas and submit an application for research funding
The sandpit process will include:
- a three-day in-person residential workshop in Canada (February 2026)
- a virtual workshop in April 2026
- director and mentor-facilitated application development, peer review and cohort support
- supporting up to four projects, which must begin on 1 October 2026
The Doing AI Differently White Paper will be the primary reference document for this sandpit.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants from any career stage are welcome.
As successful applicants will be able to bid for grant funding through the sandpit mechanism, you must be eligible to receive funding from either UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) or SSHRC.
This opportunity is for attendees without preconceived project ideas or teams.
VALUE AND DURATION
Travel and subsistence costs for the in-person workshop will be covered by AHRC and SSHRC.
Up to four grants will then be awarded to successful project teams.
KEY DATES
Deadline: 31 October 2025
In-person residential workshop: February 2026
Virtual workshop: April 2026
Projects commence: 1 October 2026
More information, including full details of collaborative requirements, the sandpit’s thematic focus and expected outcomes, can be found on the opportunity webpage and in the below document.