Artificial Intelligence Humanities Sandpit
Sponsor/agency: Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC); Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC); Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Program: Artificial Intelligence Humanities Sandpit
Description
SSHRC and UK Research and Innovation’s Arts and Humanities Research Council invite researchers to submit expressions of interest to participate in a humanities-led, interdisciplinary research “sandpit” (a facilitated, collaborative process through which new research teams and project ideas are developed and selected for funding) to put humanities insights and methodologies at the heart of artificial intelligence tech design. Through a series of workshops, teams will develop project ideas for further funding. Up to four grants will ultimately be awarded. Travel and subsistence costs to attend an in-person workshop will be covered by the funders.
A sandpit is a facilitated workshop process through which new project teams and research propositions will be co-developed and funded. Participants apply to attend the sandpit as individuals and project proposals are generated during the workshops, not in advance. This sandpit is jointly delivered by the UK’s AHRC through the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) and SSHRC in partnership with the Alan Turing Institute and The University of Edinburgh. The sandpit is directed by Professor Drew Hemment, lead of the Doing AI Differently initiative, based at The Alan Turing Institute and The University of Edinburgh.
Program Summary
Deadlines: Expression of Interest Deadline: October 30, 2025 by noon EST
Value: Up to $200,000
Duration: 18 months
Notification of Results: If successful, outcomes and invitations to attend the sandpit will be communicated by Friday, December 12, 2025.
How to Apply:
You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) as an individual to be considered for participation in the Sandpit. You should not apply with a pre-formed project or team. Expressions of interest will be assessed by the Sandpit Director and Sandpit Mentors alongside AHRC and SSHRC.
Please email Amber Zapletal about your intent to submit an EOI.
Your submission will ask for:
- a brief summary of your disciplinary background and research focus
- an explanation of how your work aligns with the aims of the Sandpit and the Doing AI Differently initiative
- your interest in collaborative, transdisciplinary research
- any access or support requirements
You must be available to participate fully in:
- a three-day residential workshop in Canada between February 17 and 19, 2026
- a virtual workshop in April 2026
EOI Canadian applicants must submit their application directly to AHRC as per the rules and process detailed and are additionally required to contact SSHRC prior to October 30, 2025 at partnerships@sshrc-crsh.gc.ca to signal their intention to submit an application (please copy Amber Zapletal on that email).
Requirements related to final applications will be shared with successful EOI applicants, during the in-person workshop in February 2026.
Contact:
- ORS Grants Officer - Amber Zapletal
- Agency Program Contact - partnerships@sshrc-crsh.gc.ca
Eligibility
Subject Matter
Proposals can involve any disciplines, thematic areas, approaches or subject areas eligible for SSHRC funding. See subject matter eligibility for more information.
Applicant
This funding opportunity is open to researchers based in the UK, Canada and the US.
As this is an interdisciplinary opportunity, it welcome researchers from outside the humanities to apply.
As projects will require development of AI-related tools, individuals with relevant technical expertise are encouraged to apply.
Applications from a range of disciplines and career stages including established faculty as well as those in post-doctoral positions are encouraged. The program is unable to accept applications from current PhD students.
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.
All Canadian applicants and grant holders must be affiliated with a Canadian postsecondary institution that holds institutional eligibility at SSHRC.
They must also comply with the Regulations Governing Grant Applications, the regulations set out in the Tri-agency Guide on Financial Administration and the Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern.
Additional Information
Sandpit Process
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 expressions of interest stage includes:
- submission of a short questionnaire
- review of questionnaire responses and sending of invitations to successful applicants
The sandpit process will include:
- a three-day in-person residential workshop in Canada in February 2026
- a virtual workshop in April 2026
- director and mentor-facilitated application development, peer review and cohort support
- support for up to four projects, which must begin on October 1, 2026
The Doing AI Differently White Paper will be the primary reference document for this sandpit. It sets out the research vision, theoretical foundations and strategic context. Please read this document before submitting an expression of interest.