Time: 1st August 2025
Location: Computational Foundry (Bay Campus), Robert Recorde Room
Contact Information: megan.venn-wycherley@swansea.ac.uk
Overview of the Conference:
Ten talented undergraduate students from across the UK recently completed a transformative eight-week journey into artificial intelligence research through the Google DeepMind Research Ready programme at Swansea University, running from 9th June to 1st August 2025.
Selected from a highly competitive pool of over 65 applicants, students from Swansea, Durham, Newcastle, Aberystwyth, Greenwich, Bradford, and Brighton universities participated in this groundbreaking initiative. The programme, delivered in partnership with Google DeepMind and the Hg Foundation, specifically aims to support students in overcoming social barriers and progressing into AI research careers.
Led by Dr Alma Rahat and Dr Megan Venn-Wycherley from Swansea’s Department of Computer Science, with support from the Zienkiewicz Institute, the programme offered participants hands-on experience through individual research projects under expert supervision. Projects ranged from algorithmic trading using reinforcement learning to differential diagnosis of dementia subtypes, machine learning in additive manufacturing, AI-based activity detection for older adults, and making legislation machine-readable using large language models—demonstrating AI’s transformative potential across multiple sectors.
Students benefited from exceptional speakers and training opportunities. Internal sessions featured Dr Zeyu Zhao and Dr Gavin Bailey on human-centred AI, a visit to Professor John Tucker’s History of Computing Collection, and advanced AI skills training by Dr Connor Clarkson from the Institute of Coding. Distinguished external speakers included Dr Hazel Dixon from CoSTAR labs at Royal Holloway discussing inclusion in AI and digital media, and Professor Jonathan Fieldsend from Exeter presenting on “Characterising optimisation landscapes via trees and networks,” introducing students to advanced computational intelligence concepts.
A programme highlight was Dr Piotr Mirowski’s keynote. The Google DeepMind Senior Staff Research Scientist’s talk on “Collaborative and Creative Engagements with AI” inspired students to explore AI’s creative potential beyond traditional boundaries. Dr Jamie Gallagher visited us and delivered fantastic presentation skills training, proving invaluable when students presented their research at the culminating symposium, which kicked off with a keynote by Professor Tom Crick, Chief Scientific Officer at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, before interns each delivered a 15-minute research presentations.
Beyond campus, students visited the prestigious Turing Institute and attended the Google Developer Group Conference on “Building with AI” at Bletchley Park’s National Museum of Computing, connecting with the broader UK AI ecosystem. Between intensive research sessions, participants bonded over driving simulator rally racing tournaments, building lasting peer networks.
The Research Ready programme represents a significant step forward in democratising access to AI research opportunities, particularly for students who might not traditionally consider AI careers. By providing paid placements, mentorship, and exposure to world-leading researchers, the initiative removes financial barriers whilst building confidence and skills, demonstrating Swansea University’s commitment to fostering inclusive excellence in AI education.
As these ten trailblazers complete their placements, they join a growing network of Research Ready alumni equipped with the skills, confidence, and connections to pursue advanced studies and careers in artificial intelligence. We’re in the process of reviewing their technical research papers, ready for publication on the Swansea University Research Ready website. We look forward to seeing where they go next!
For more information, visit https://research-ready.swansea.ac.uk/
