UK AI Hubs Launch National Challenge for Early Career Researchers
The Erlangen AI Hub is taking part in an exciting new initiative, the AI Hubs National Public Engagement Challenge with Expressions of Interests needed this month (June). The competition offers PhD students and Postdoctoral Researchers within the UKRI AI community a chance to present their work in a compelling three-minute video designed for a public audience, and to showcase the depth and diversity of UK AI research on a national stage.
For early career researchers looking to strengthen their communication profile and raise the visibility of their work, this is an excellent opportunity. Participants will:
- Build valuable public engagement skills essential for grant applications and careers.
- Receive expert training on how to translate complex research into engaging stories.
- Connect with peers across the UK AI Hubs, expanding their network.
- Gain visibility across the UK AI ecosystem.
- Compete for a spot in the national final, where the top five videos will be presented at the UKAIRS 2026 conference dinner in November, before an audience of policymakers, funders, industry leaders and researchers.
- Potentially take home the title of Overall Winner.
The challenge is open to researchers connected to a UK AI Hub through any of the following:
- Postdoctoral researchers employed on a UKRI AI Research Hub
- PhD students within a UKRI AI CDT or another Doctoral Training Programme aligned to AI research
- PhD students or PDRAs within the research group of an AI Hub Co Investigator, Partner or Member
If you are connected to a UK AI Hub, this is your chance to get involved. Eligible researchers must submit an Expression of Interest by 12 June 2026 including:
- Name
- Role: PhD Student or Postdoctoral Research Associate
- Name of CDT or AI Research Hub
- A 300-word description of their research for a general audience
- A 150-word statement on why they want to take part
Submit your Expression of Interest by email by 12 June 2026 to info@aichemy.ac.uk with the subject line: ‘AI Hubs: National Public Engagement Challenge’
Shortlisting will take place on 24 June 2026, with 20–30 researchers selected to progress. Selected researchers will attend an online training session on presenting to public audiences and structuring an effective three-minute pitch. The session will also offer opportunities to practise with peers from other Hubs. Participants will then create their own three-minute video, using one slide (animation permitted). The final criteria for judging will be confirmed beforehand. A panel of external reviewers, including EPSRC Project Officers, will select the five finalists. All videos will be shared online to highlight the breadth of AI research across the UK.
The five finalists will be invited to attend UKAIRS 2026 (to be held at John McIntyre Conference Centre, Edinburgh above) on 24–25 November and their videos will be showcased at the conference dinner. A judging panel external to the Hubs covering policy and communication specialists will select the overall winner. If you are an early career researcher associated with a UK AI Hub, don’t miss this chance to share your work, develop your skills, and connect with the wider AI community.
Start preparing your Expression of Interest and bring your research to life in three minutes!