The academic-led pathway is designed to be a more recognisable approach to fellowships, where researchers with backgrounds from across the Arts and Humanities apply alongside their own collaborating non-academic stakeholder, having co-produced the research questions in advance.
We use the term non-academic stakeholders (NAS) to refer to non-academic project partners that have a demonstrable stake in the UK’s AI ecosystem. This can include organisations from the public, private or third sectors. For example, you might seek to collaborate with a large multinational technology company developing AI, a community group concerned about the effects of AI on their learners, or even a creative entity whose work is subject to use as data by an AI system.
The main objective is that the project be genuinely co-produced and innovative with a clear contribution to responsible AI.
About BRAID
Bridging Responsible AI Divides
BRAID is a six-year programme funded by UKRI’s Arts and Humanities Research Council and delivered in partnership with the Ada Lovelace Institute and the BBC. The programme is dedicated to bringing arts and humanities knowledge more fully into the Responsible AI ecosystem, supporting research and innovation fellowships, scoping projects, demonstrators, and translational research. We work to widen access to Responsible AI knowledge and practice in the UK and to demonstrate its value in concrete, real-world contexts.
Call updates
Update 30 September 2026: Following feedback, we’ve extended the deadline for the expression of interest (previously called the intention to submit) to 23 October 2026. Submitting one is no longer a requirement for eligibility, but we still encourage applicants to submit one as early as possible as it helps us manage workloads and plan the selection process.
We also updated eligibility guidance around your employment status at the research organisation to include eligibility for applicants that satisfy UKRI’s ‘substantial relationship’ test and updated the letter of support for research organisations to better align with the template on the Fellowships call page.
Update 1 October 2026: Following feedback on partnering with small charities and community groups, we’ve adjusted the guidance and template letter of support for NAS partners to enable greater flexibility where needed. We also provided additional guidance around engaging these types of NAS partners as subcontractors in order to deliver specific, clearly defined pieces of work as Research related expenses
Key Information
If you’re looking for a non-academic stakeholder (NAS) partner, visit this page to explore potential opportunities.
17 September 2026: Information Session (online)
23 October 2026: Expression of Interest (recommended) (form)
5 November 2026: Applications close at 17:00 GMT (form)
Mid-December 2026: Applicants notified
April 2027: Projects start by
30 June 2028: Projects complete
Quick links
Call Guidance (pdf)
Intention to submit form (online)
Application form (online)
Application form (word)
Letter of support template (partner) (word)
Letter of support template (research organisation) (word)
