Applications now open for PhD in Safe AI
The University’s UKRI-funded AI centre for doctoral training in Lifelong Safety Assurance of AI-enabled Autonomous Systems (SAINTS CDT) has opened applications for its first cohort of PhD students.
The SAINTS CDT is the UK’s first and only multidisciplinary PhD programme focused solely on the safety of artificial intelligence. It brings together people from diverse disciplines from across the University to create a community of experts that will pioneer a new generation of evidence-based policy and practices for safe AI.
“Successful applicants will be among the first scholars in the world to take the next step into an AI-powered future,” said Professor Ibrahim Habli, Director of SAINTS CDT.
“They are the future generation of AI professionals and will shape and contribute to the innovation of safe AI and autonomous systems.”
Students will be based in the University’s Institute for Safe Autonomy, benefitting from world-class laboratories, collaboration spaces and colleagues working at the leading edge of their fields.
“Our CDT takes a unique approach,” added Professor Habli. “Postgraduate researchers with different backgrounds and experiences will train together, undertaking relevant and societally important research.”
With a network of partners already committed to supporting the CDT, students will also benefit from strong links with industry, the public sector and other research institutions. This fresh approach will ensure students are equipped with the ideal mix of research expertise and practical skills to guide organisations in safe AI design and deployment.
“Our partners are a key part of what makes the CDT special,” says Dr Ana MacIntosh, Partnerships lead of SAINTS CDT. “To make safe AI a reality, research institutes, industry and policymakers must collaborate and we’re excited to be making that happen.
“York is a world leader in the safety of complex systems and together with our partners we’ll ensure the skills and experience that our students gain are relevant to the sectors that are developing and deploying AI and autonomous systems.”
Applications are open until midday GMT on Wednesday 17 January 2024.