Lessons learned and FAQs
This page provides answers to common questions about the AI4CI Rapid Response Fund. If your question is not answered please contact ai4ci-research@bristol.ac.uk.
Lessons learned
We have identified several common themes that reviewers raise as cause for concern. Applicants are encouraged to consider these points carefully to strengthen their proposals:
- Keep the scale proportionate. Some projects have been overly ambitious given the size and duration of Rapid Response awards. Proposals should clearly show that the planned work can be achieved within the available time and budget.
- Ensure costs align with the research focus. Proposals where most of the budget is directed to activities such as software development or consultancy-style work are not a good fit for the scheme. The fund is intended for pump-priming collaborative research rather than for development projects.
- Be specific about the AI and specific about the collective intelligence. Successful proposals make a clear case for how AI and collective intelligence are being combined, rather than treating one or both as background context.
- Show real collaboration. Reviewers look for meaningful contributions from both academic and non-academic partners.
Application process
Can I apply to the fund more than once or be part of a project team on more than one proposal?
Yes. Applicants may submit multiple proposals over time, provided each one is distinct.
Are there restrictions on what the funding can be used for?
Yes. The funding can be used for Directly Incurred (DI) costs only. Please see EPSRC’s guidance on DI costs for further clarification.
Can the funding be used for non-academic project partners?
Funds for subcontracting can be awarded to project partners, but this should be to deliver a defined package of work that has gone through the lead academic partner’s procurement process, and not just to cover the project partner costs of collaborating on the project. If successful, an award will be made to the lead academic partner, and any subsequent allocation of funds to non-academic partners must conform to the UKRI guidelines.
How long should projects last?
We don’t specify how long projects should last, but given the level of funding available most projects run for less than a year. As we approach the final stages of the AI4CI Hub we may update this guidance.
When can my project start?
The deadline for full proposals is expected to be early April 2026 (to be confirmed when invitations are issued), and we aim to make decisions within a few weeks of that deadline. Based on this, the earliest project start date would likely be June 2026.
Can I put myself forward as a reviewer?
Yes. Please email ai4ci-research@bristol.ac.uk. It would be helpful if you could provide any information that will help us ensure you receive proposals relevant to your expertise and if there are any potential limitations on your capacity to participate.
Can I still serve as a reviewer if I apply to the fund?
Yes. The Rapid Response Fund process includes explicit consideration of conflicts of interest which will allow us to consider proposals from people who also serve as reviewers.
Project partners
What kind of organisations can be “non-academic partners”?
Any non-academic organisation is a candidate for this funding opportunity: companies, charities, local and national government agencies, etc. If you are not sure whether the partner being considered is appropriate, get in touch with the AI4CI Hub and we will advise you.
Do non-academic partners have to be from the UK?
No. Non-academic partners can be from other countries and do not have to be from the UK.
Does my consortium need to include new partners that I haven’t worked with before?
No. Academic and non-academic partners may have an existing track record of collaboration together or may be proposing to work together for the first time, or something in between.
Can the matching commitment from the project applicants include a contribution from the academic partner(s)?
Yes. But contributions from academic partners should be resource commitments beyond simply covering overheads and indirect costs; for example, a contribution to the salary of a researcher on the project, or a contribution of administrative support, or access to facilities that would otherwise incur costs on the project.
Must the cash value of the matching commitment from the project applicants be equivalent to the cash value of the award that is being sought?
Ideally, the total cash value of the resource committed by the project partners will approach or exceed that of the award, but this is not a requirement for a successful application.
What should be included in a project partner letter of support?
The letter should confirm the organisation’s commitment to the proposed project and should identify the value, relevance and possible benefits to the partner of the proposed research. The letter should clearly articulate the nature of the collaboration or support provided by the partner, and explain how the partner will provide added value. The letter should confirm any cash or in-kind contributions (e.g., staff time, access to equipment, provision of data, etc.), and any in-kind contributions must be assigned a value.
Do you offer support in connecting applicants with relevant non-academic partners?
We may be able to suggest suitable partners, depending on the area of research. Please get in touch by email to ai4ci-research@bristol.ac.uk with details of your research idea and we will see if we can help. We also anticipate running match-making and networking events over the lifetime of the Hub, please sign up to our mailing list to be kept informed.
Can non-academic partners receive funding?
If successful, an award will be made to the lead academic partner, and any subsequent allocation of funds to non-academic partners must conform to the UKRI guidelines. Funds for subcontracting can be awarded to project partners, but this should be to deliver a defined package of work that has gone through the lead academic partner’s procurement process, and not just to cover the project partner costs of collaborating on the project.
Can there be more than one academic partner?
Yes, there can be more than one academic partner, however we will only award the funding to the lead partner. If the budget is split between multiple academic partners it will be the responsibility of the receiving institution to arrange the necessary agreements for passing on the funding.
Research focus
Can I use the Rapid Response Fund to augment a research project that is already ongoing?
Yes. The fund can be used to extend existing research activities by adding new collaborators or new research questions.
Does my research proposal need to align closely with the kind of research that the AI4CI Hub is doing?
No. Any research involving AI for collective intelligence is suitable for funding under this scheme.
Does the fund support research on collective intelligence in animals or robots?
The fund aims to support research on human social systems. Such projects may involve animals and/or robots, but human social systems should be the primary target of the research.
Will theoretical research be funded?
Yes. Theoretical research can be funded if it aligns with the criteria of the fund. While we emphasise practical applications, theoretical research may be eligible if it contributes to the understanding of Collective Intelligence or provides foundational insights that lead to future practical applications.
Does the AI in a proposal have to include machine learning?
No. Our interpretation of AI is broad and, in particular, includes approaches and technologies beyond large language models and associated forms of generative AI.