Imperial College London has unveiled a groundbreaking 'AI in Science Global Fellowship programme', aimed at equipping scientists from the Global South with cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) skills. Announced during the opening of Imperial Global Ghana—Imperial’s first science and technology hub in Africa—the initiative is supported by significant funding from Schmidt Sciences and seeks to foster sustainable research capacity across Africa, Asia, and South America.  

The Fellowship will train three cohorts of researchers through a two-year program. Participants will spend their first year at Imperial’s I-X Centre for AI in Science in London, collaborating with leading scientists and researchers. The second year will see them return to their home institutions, free from teaching duties, to apply their new skills and continue their research in AI-driven scientific disciplines.  

Backed by funding equivalent to 48 years of research, the programme builds on Schmidt Sciences’ previous $148 million investment in AI in science. It aims to enhance scientific innovation in partner institutions, which include the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, the University of Ghana, the Indian Institute of Science, and the University of São Paulo, among others.  

“Global challenges demand global collaboration,” said Professor Hugh Brady, President of Imperial College. “This Fellowship strengthens our partnerships with institutions in the Global South and demonstrates our commitment to fostering international research and innovation.”  

The I-X Centre, led by Professor Nick Jones, will serve as the programme’s intellectual hub, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of AI solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by the Global South. “This initiative enriches the global scientific community by bringing new perspectives and expertise from three continents,” said Professor Jones.  

The Fellowship aligns with Imperial’s strategy to establish Global Hubs, starting with the Ghana hub, which will host regular events and promote sustainable research and industry development in Africa and beyond. The programme not only addresses the disparity in access to AI technologies but also strengthens the role of the Global South in shaping solutions to pressing global scientific challenges.  

By integrating advanced AI applications into scientific research, the Fellowship marks a significant step in empowering scientists from underserved regions to lead innovation in areas like climate change, healthcare, and agriculture, fostering long-term global collaboration.

 

Article by RB Reporter

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https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/258213/imperial-selected-schmidt-sciences-partner-global/