Turing AI Global Fellowships 2026–2027: Fully Funded £4.5 Million UK Research Fellowship for Global Artificial Intelligence Leaders

The Turing AI Global Fellowships 2026–2027 is a flagship international research funding programme by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) under UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The initiative is designed to attract world-leading artificial intelligence researchers from across the globe to relocate to the United Kingdom and conduct transformative, state-of-the-art AI research.

With a total investment of £24.5 million and individual awards worth up to £4.5 million, the fellowship supports long-term research leadership, institutional capacity building, and international collaboration in advanced artificial intelligence.

Programme Purpose and Vision

The fellowship aims to strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader in artificial intelligence by recruiting exceptional researchers capable of advancing core AI theory, methodology, and interdisciplinary innovation.

Selected fellows will establish new research teams within UK institutions and conduct ambitious projects that push AI beyond current technological limits. The programme focuses on foundational breakthroughs rather than simple applications of existing tools.

Research must contribute to building new AI capabilities and generating knowledge that benefits science, industry, policy, and society.

Programme Significance

The Turing AI Global Fellowships represents one of the largest international investments in artificial intelligence talent mobility. The programme enables researchers to lead high-impact scientific breakthroughs, shape AI governance, and contribute to responsible technological advancement.

By supporting long-term leadership and collaboration, the fellowship strengthens both the UK research ecosystem and the global AI community.

Duration and Start Date

The fellowship lasts up to five years and must begin no later than 1 February 2027.

Researchers may work full-time or part-time (minimum 50% commitment), provided the fellowship remains their primary research focus.

Funding Package and Financial Support

Each fellowship includes a comprehensive funding structure designed to support research excellence and relocation.

Main Research Award

• Up to £4.5 million total project cost

• 80% funded eligible research expenses

• Salaries for research staff and postdoctoral researchers

• Equipment and infrastructure

• Travel and collaboration activities

• Technical and specialist support

Doctoral Training Support

• Funding for up to three doctoral students

• Fully funded training costs at 100%

• Stipend, tuition fees, and research training support

Relocation Funding

Provided separately from the main award:

• Visa and immigration fees covered

• Immigration Health Surcharge covered

• Travel and moving costs for fellow and dependents

• Expected relocation support up to approximately £40,000

Research Infrastructure Access

Fellows gain access to national AI research computing resources, including significant GPU computing hours to support advanced experimentation.

Research Areas and Scope

Projects must advance the state of the art in artificial intelligence through one or more of the following:

• Development of novel AI methodologies

• Mathematical and theoretical AI breakthroughs

• Interdisciplinary research linking AI with other scientific domains

• Creation of trustworthy and responsible AI systems

• New models, algorithms, or architectures

Projects that only apply existing AI technologies without advancing knowledge are not eligible.

Leadership and Impact Expectations

Fellows are expected to play major leadership roles within the global research ecosystem. Responsibilities include:

• Establishing and managing a high-level research team

• Mentoring future AI researchers and innovators

• Collaborating with industry, government, and academia

• Influencing policy and strategic research directions

• Promoting ethical and responsible AI development

Fellows will contribute to national and international AI strategy while strengthening the UK research environment.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Must have been based outside the UK for at least 24 months prior to applying

• Must be supported by an eligible UK research organisation

• Must demonstrate international research leadership or exceptional future potential

• Must have experience managing programmes, teams, or resources

• Must work in foundational or interdisciplinary AI research areas

There is no nationality restriction. Candidates from academia, industry, government, and non-profit sectors are eligible.

Host Institution Requirements

The UK host organisation must:

• Be recognised as an eligible UKRI research organisation

• Hold at least £25 million in active AI research funding

• Provide a substantial support package

• Assist with relocation and integration

• Support long-term sustainability of the research programme

Applicants and host institutions must co-develop the research proposal.

Application Process

Applications are submitted through the UKRI Funding Service by the host organisation in collaboration with the applicant.

Key Dates

• Applications open: 18 November 2025

• Deadline: 12 March 2026 (4:00 PM UK time)

• Interviews: June 2026

• Fellowship start: By 1 February 2027

The selection process involves panel review and interview stages assessing research excellence, leadership potential, and impact.

Click here to find more information about the Turing AI Global Fellowships 2026–2027.

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