Expression of interest: sandpit: AI supported research using UKRI social science data

Overview

We are seeking expressions of interest to attend a two-day in-person sandpit in Manchester on 23 to 24 June 2026. The sandpit will bring together experts from social science data services, data collections, trusted research environments and teams with expertise in artificial intelligence supported research to co-produce high level ideas on AI-supported social science using UKRI-funded data, and to explore the key challenges in this area. 

The overall aim of this sandpit is to develop ideas for research projects that deliver impactful and innovative AI-supported social science using data from the specific Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and UKRI data infrastructures identified below. More widely, the sandpit will provide insights on the opportunity for and challenges with AI-supported social science using data from UKRI data infrastructure, including where AI can add value over and above more traditional analytical approaches.  

For the purposes of this opportunity, AI is understood as a set of computational methods that learn from data to identify patterns, generate predictions or produce new outputs. This includes, but is not limited to, techniques such as machine learning, natural language processing and other data driven modelling approaches. 

Why your views matter

Sandpit participants will: 

• draw upon perspectives from relevant stakeholders and the expertise brought by the participants to share understandings of the opportunities for AI-supported social science using data from UKRI data infrastructures 

• take part in sessions focused on addressing the challenges for AI-supported social science 

• identify themes and potential project avenues using creative thinking techniques to develop and capture ideas that could form the basis for highly innovative research project proposals 

• form teams and develop high level ideas, supported by peer and mentor advice and guidance  

Attendance at the sandpit does not guarantee UKRI funding. It is our intention that this sandpit will be a valuable experience for all attendees irrespective of whether funding is secured. 

What happens next

We will use the following selection criteria for shortlisting candidates based solely on the information provided in the expressions of interest: 

• required eligibility for this opportunity. This includes meeting UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) organisational eligibility requirements, currently receiving UKRI funding, and being able to attend all mandatory sandpit sessions in full 

• relevant expertise, experience and accreditation, including evidence of subject‑relevant knowledge, methodological or technical skills appropriate to the aims of the sandpit, and experience working in interdisciplinary, collaborative, or problem‑focused environments 

• focus of research interest, including clarity of the applicant’s research interests and how these align with the overarching theme and objectives of the sandpit. We will consider how the applicant’s perspective can contribute to the diversity of ideas within the group 

Within the pool of applicants selected based on these assessment criteria, we will endeavour to ensure a balance of different areas of research interest, disciplines, geographic distribution and landscape diversity, and organisational diversity. 

In the event of this opportunity being substantially oversubscribed as to be unmanageable, UKRI reserves the right to modify the assessment process. 

We aim to invite shortlisted candidates to attend the sandpit in early June 2026. 

Because of the large number of applications expected, we will not be able to give individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants.