In October 2022, the Digital Environment Research Institute (DERI) welcomed the first cohort of students on the UKRI/BBSRC funded AI for Drug Discovery Collaborative Training Partnership Award.
The UKRI/BBSRC AI for Drug Discovery Programme (AIDD) led by Exscenita will train a minimum of 21 students over 3 cohorts. The programme aims to produce interdisciplinary researchers who have both a deep knowledge of basic biological principles, and an understanding of advanced AI methodologies. The programme is a joint venture between Exscentia, MSD, Heptares, and Queen Mary, and is funded by UKRI/BBSRC.
For the 2022-23 academic year, the programme welcomed its first cohort of 6 students. Each PhD project is designed and delivered in collaboration with one of the 3 founding industrial partners and gives students first-hand experience of working with industry whilst completing their studies. Students also have the opportunity to undertake a minimum of a 3-month placement at their industry partner during the course of their studies, and is jointly supervised by an academic member of staff from Queen Mary, and an industry representative from their industrial partner.
Dr Anna Lobley, Senior Biological Data Scientist at Exscientia, and led PI on the AIDD grant, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for both PhD students and Industry professionals alike to shape the next-generation of AI-Discovery Scientists. Together, we have created a unique PhD experience designed to forge strong and lasting relationships across our CTP partnership. We are excited to welcome our first recruits to the programme and look forwards to guiding their future success."
You can find further details on the programme on the dedicated AI for Drug Discovery pages, along with details of our new cohort of students.