UKRI funded PhD in Safe Artificial Intelligence (AI) - Law

*Home fee status applicants from a Law background are invited to apply*

The Centre for Doctoral Training in Safe AI Systems (SAINTS CDT) is the UK’s first multidisciplinary PhD programme focused solely on the safety of artificial intelligence (AI).

Are you interested in how law should adapt to AI, and its potential role in regulating the AI revolution? Previous industrial revolutions and the social changes they generated led to significant challenges to the law and resultant major changes across many areas of law. The present AI revolution seems set to do the same, and there are significant opportunities for lawyers to help shape the AI revolution itself. Do you want to develop the research expertise and skills to ensure that the benefits of AI systems are realised without introducing harm as the systems and their environments evolve?

If so, then our CDT is just what you are looking for. AI safety is strongly connected with law, as the design and deployment of AI systems raises significant questions as to what role law should play in reducing potential harms, in helping to distribute risks and benefits across different groups in society, and in how existing (or future) legal rights and duties should operate in an AI context.

The AI revolution has sparked ongoing debates that highlight the multifaceted role of AI and algorithms in shaping our world—in ways that engage deeply with law.

Fully funded PhD opportunity

As a postgraduate researcher with SAINTS CDT, you'll receive the following financial benefits:

• A tax-free stipend (£20,780 in 2025-26) for your living costs (pro rata for part-time postgraduate researchers), which is paid to you in regular instalments. The amount of the stipend usually increases each year in line with inflation
• Your annual tuition fees will be paid*
• Funding is available for you to attend research-related events and conferences

*Due to restrictions in funding arrangements, this call for applications is limited to Home fee status applications only.

Applications are open until 12 noon GMT on Monday 19^th May 2025.

The Programme

Our PhD in Safe AI takes a unique and purposeful approach. PhD researchers with different backgrounds and experiences will train together.

Research will be focused on the lifelong safety assurance of increasingly autonomous AI systems in dynamic and uncertain contexts. It will build on methodologies and concepts in disciplines spanning AI, safety science, philosophy, law, sociology and health sciences.

You will also participate in a series of taught courses covering the technical, legal, ethical and societal underpinnings and implications of your research. These courses will give you the strong foundation you need for both your research and the next step in your career.

Work directly with industry

The SAINTS CDT has an extensive network of over thirty partners, including major international companies, government organisations, regulators and charities.

Location

You'll be based at the world's first Institute for Safe Autonomy at the University of York. It's an exciting and welcoming hub for innovation and collaboration with a modern and inclusive working environment.

Apply

For more information about our entry requirements and details about how to apply, please visit the SAINTS CDT web pages.

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