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The Spärck AI scholarships will provide full funding for master's degrees at leading UK universities specialising in artificial intelligence and STEM subjects
The University of Bristol is set to welcome future tech innovators with exceptional talent in AI-related disciplines through a prestigious new scholarship programme announced by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
The Spärck AI scholarships, named after pioneering British computer scientist Karen Spärck Jones, will provide full funding for master's degrees at nine leading UK universities specialising in artificial intelligence and STEM subjects.
Set to rival the likes of globally recognised Rhodes, Marshall and Fulbright scholarships, the Spärck AI scholarships programme will see at least 100 talented undergraduate level students from the UK and abroad secure unparalleled access to industry partnerships, work placements and mentorship opportunities, including in the UK's AI Security Institute as well as leading tech firms like Darktrace, Faculty and Quantexa.
University of Bristol Vice-Chancellor, Professor Evelyn Welch, commented: "As AI University of the Year and the proud host of the UK's most powerful supercomputer, Isambard-AI, the University of Bristol is thrilled to support this prestigious new scholarship as an anchor partner.
"Here at Bristol, we have a decades-spanning history of AI advancement, including via the Bristol Centre for Super Computing, a Centre for Doctoral Training in AI and two national AI Research Hubs, bolstering our pedigree in this field.
"We relish the opportunity to shape the next generation of global AI pioneers – collaborating with our partners to explore bold new ideas, nurture exceptional talent, and advance the future of this transformative technology together."
By covering both tuition and living expenses, the Government say the scholarship could be of interest to talented students from low-income backgrounds who might otherwise be unable to afford university.
Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle MP, said: "We are providing unique opportunities for talented young people to take up master's degrees in AI, with fully funded tuition and unparalleled access to industry.
"Students will be able to go on to highly skilled jobs, building a workforce fit for the future and boosting economic growth.
"We are also expanding our fellowship programme to bring top talent into our leading AI sector and drive forward transformational benefits to the public like new drug discoveries."
