Sheffield awarded prestigious government AI Futures grant

The University of Sheffield has been awarded a prestigious government AI Futures grant of £70,000, following a successful application led by the newly established Centre for Machine Intelligence.

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AI Futures Grants is a new UK Government scheme run by the Department of Business and Trade. The grants are designed to help the next generation of top AI talent meet the costs of relocating to the UK.  

AI Futures funding can be used by successful applicant organisations to cover relocation costs including: visa fees, immigration health surcharge, travelling and subsistence, disposal of old residence and acquisition of new residence, transporting belongings and domestic goods for new residence. Successful candidates for an AI Futures role may be able to get up to £10,000 to meet relocation costs, subject to terms and conditions. 

Sheffield has 14 forecast AI roles included in the AI Futures scheme, 2024-25.  These roles are situated across the University and include strategic, interdisciplinary AI leadership roles at the Centre for Machine Intelligence.  By helping to encourage future AI leaders to apply for these roles, the grant is important for our strategy to grow research in key areas of AI and AI related research, such as health, manufacturing and materials, digital twins and AI and society.

We’re delighted that the Department of Business and Trade has identified the University of Sheffield as a leading centre for AI research and supported it with this award. By helping to attract international talent in AI and data science to Sheffield, the AI Futures award will further strengthen our world-leading expertise and raise our profile on the international AI stage. 

Professor Guy Brown

Deputy Director

As one of the UK’s leading Universities, with a reputation for world class research and teaching, a welcoming campus and outstanding facilities, the University of Sheffield is a popular choice for job applicants.  

The City of Sheffield is a remarkable place to live with lots to offer.  On the edge of the Peak District, Sheffield is the UK’s greenest city and there are many sports, activities and outdoor pursuits to enjoy.  Famous for its music, art and digital communities, Sheffield has a thriving cultural scene and a diverse range of theatres, museums, galleries, and entertainment venues.  With lots of green spaces, a lower cost of living and some of the top primary and secondary schools in the region, Sheffield is a great place for families.

By providing funds to cover the often non-trivial costs of relocating to the UK, the AI Futures award will be a further incentive for talented AI candidates to choose Sheffield as a place to settle and build their careers.

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