How to apply

Webinar:

An informational webinar will be held on 11th August, where applicants can learn more and ask questions.

Clarification Questions (CQ)

For clarifications, you may refer to our CQ document on the website or email us at aisialignmentproject@dsit.gov.uk. To ensure fairness and transparency, we do not respond to individual emails but will update the CQ document if the question is relevant.

The selection process consists of two key stages, mirroring the two stages of the application, designed to assess eligibility and alignment with our priority research areas, and the overall strength of each application. 

Stage 1. Initial Screening and EOI review 

• Applications will undergo an initial screening to ensure they meet the basic eligibility requirements and pass due diligence checks. 

• Eligible EOIs will then go through a quality review based on pre-defined selection criteria. 

• Following this initial assessment, applicants will be notified of the outcome. 

Assessment Criteria  

EOIs will be assessed based on the following five key criteria. Applicants should ensure their EOIs and full applications clearly address each area to strengthen their submission. 

1: Is the proposal relevant? 

• The proposed research must align with the objectives of the Alignment Project. 
• We particularly welcome proposals that align to our priority research areas.  
• The problem statement should be well-defined, demonstrating a clear understanding of the challenges it seeks to address. 
• The proposal should outline how the research or activity contributes to advancing our priority research areas, filling gaps in existing knowledge, or providing actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners. 

2: Is the proposal feasible? 

• The research plan should have clearly defined objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
• The proposal should demonstrate a realistic approach to achieving its goals within the proposed timeline and budget. 
• The research should be technically and logistically feasible, with consideration of potential risks and mitigation strategies.
  

3: Is the proposal innovative? 

• The project should introduce novel approaches, methodologies, or perspectives that advance research on safe AI development and/or deployment. 
• The proposal should demonstrate originality and go beyond incremental improvements to existing work. 
• Where applicable, interdisciplinary or cross-sector collaboration that enhances research impact is encouraged.
  

4: Is the proposal actionable? 

• The research should have clear, tangible outputs that can contribute to real-world applications, policy recommendations, or furthering the development and/or deployment of safe and secure AI systems.
• The proposal should outline pathways for impact, including how findings will be disseminated, shared with key stakeholders, and/or applied in practice. 
• Consideration should be given to how the research aligns with industry or regulatory needs in order to safely develop and/or deploy AI systems.  

5: Are the team and its requested resources likely to deliver? 

• The research team should demonstrate the necessary expertise, experience, and track record to successfully execute the project.
• The proposal should clearly outline roles and responsibilities, including any key collaborators. 
• The budget should be reasonable and well-justified, ensuring requested resources align with the scope of the project and are essential for its success. 

Stage 2. Full Application Assessment 

• Shortlisted applicants will then collaborate with their assigned Research Sponsors to refine and develop their full application. 
• Once the full application has been submitted, they will undergo a final assessment to be undertaken by a panel, independent of assigned Research Sponsors, against pre-defined selection criteria. Each funder in the consortium may review and score applications according to their own criteria.  
• Based on this review, final funding decisions will be made. 
• Shortlisted applicants will be informed of the outcome following the completion of the final assessment.

Once your application is submitted, it will undergo assessment as outlined in this document. If successful, the following are the expected next steps. Further guidance will be provided to fund recipient upon signing of agreement.

1. Funding Agreement and Project Kick-off meeting 

• 5^th November: Successful applicants issued with Funding Agreement (GFA) 
• Applicant to review, sign, and return the GFA within 1 week. 
• Project kick-off within 2 weeks of signing GFA. 
• Note:
  The GFA for DSIT/AISI funded projects is standard and not subject to negotiation. The GFA can be accessed here: link to GFA attachment. Other funders may issue different terms and conditions as part of their GFA. 

2. Performance Monitoring and Reporting 

• The cadence of post-award performance monitoring will be confirmed as part of the proposal iteration stage, based on the level of input and support required from the Research Sponsor.  
• We will provide reporting templates to ensure consistency and clarity. 
• Monitoring may also include check-in meetings or reviews with the Alignment Project team and Research Sponsors. 

3. Payment 

• Payments will be made monthly in arrears, subject to submission of milestone-based reporting.  
• In exceptional circumstances, depending on need, we may consider one payment in advance of activity. This will be decided on a case-by-case basis and reflected in the Funding Agreement. 

4. Final Evaluation Report Submission 

• Upon project completion, you must submit a final evaluation report summarising the research findings, deliverables, and overall impact. 
• The final report will be reviewed by the Alignment Project team to assess whether all agreed outcomes have been met.