Swansea University to deliver prestigious Google DeepMind-supported AI research programme
Swansea University has been chosen to host the Google DeepMind Research Ready Programme—a fully funded, eight-week experience designed to widen participation in artificial intelligence (AI) research.
Swansea is one of several UK universities selected to take part in the programme, which forms part of the national Google DeepMind Research Ready scheme, supported by Founding Partners Google DeepMind and The Hg Foundation, alongside the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Delivered by the University's Computer Science Department, the programme—running from 8 June to 31 July 2026—will provide undergraduate students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds with hands-on experience at the forefront of AI research.
Participants will be based at Swansea's £32.5 million Computational Foundry, a world-class research facility dedicated to computational and mathematical sciences.
Students selected for the programme will:
- Undertake a supervised research project in areas such as machine learning, robotics, natural language processing, explainable AI, bioinformatics and deep learning
- Receive weekly data science training delivered by a Turing Fellow
- Take part in a datathon challenge with Welsh industry partners
- Present their findings at a final research conference
- Benefit from Ph.D. mentoring and a one-to-one career development meeting
- Have the opportunity to publish a short research paper on the Research Ready website
Alongside their research, participants will build transferable skills in academic writing, data analysis, critical thinking, and presenting—skills that are valuable whether they pursue postgraduate study or enter industry.
No previous research experience is required. The programme is designed for applicants with curiosity, enthusiasm and the potential to thrive in research environments—not just those with traditional academic profiles.
To ensure the opportunity is fully accessible, participants will receive:
- A £441 per week stipend
- Free on-campus accommodation
- Covered travel costs
This support allows students to focus fully on their research without financial worry.
Dr. Megan Venn-Wycherley, Programme Co-Lead, said, "Artificial Intelligence is transforming society, but access to research careers in AI remains uneven. The Research Ready Programme is about opening doors—giving talented students who may not have seen themselves as 'researchers' the opportunity to work alongside leading academics, build confidence, and see what a future in AI could look like."
Eligible applicants must:
· Be UK residents
· Be in the penultimate year of (or have completed) an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related technical field
· Meet at least one widening participation criterion, such as eligibility for free school meals, residence in IMD/POLAR lowest two deciles, experience of local authority care, or receipt of full state maintenance support
An online information webinar will take place on 25 February 2026, and applications close on 15 March 2026.
Find out more about the programme and apply.
More information:
Founded in 1920, Swansea University is a research-led institution with two campuses along Swansea Bay in south Wales, UK. Its scenic beachfront location and welcoming atmosphere attract more than 23,000 students from around the world. The University offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across three academic faculties.
In 2024, Swansea achieved its highest-ever ranking in the QS World University Rankings 2025, reaching 298th globally and entering the top 300 for the first time. It was also named Welsh University of the Year 2025 by The Times and Sunday Times, and ranked 29th in the Guardian University Guide 2025.
The 2021 Research Excellence Framework rated 86% of Swansea's research and 91% of its research environment as world-leading or internationally excellent, with 86% of its research impact recognised as outstanding.
Swansea University is a registered charity. No. 1138342.
For more information, please contact Ffion White, Swansea University Press Office. Call 01792 602706 or email: f.e.white@swansea.ac.uk
Provided by Swansea University
