Overview
The AIchemy AI in Chemistry Education Project Fund is open to research and teaching staff within UK Chemistry departments to undertake short projects to better understand the potential that AI (including GenAI) can bring to chemistry teaching practice and to support the testing of new teaching tools/methods in this space.
All projects must be completed and all expenditure reimbursed by 18th December 2026.
Purpose
This fund is designed to support the development and evaluation of new lab/teaching tools that enable students to gain an understanding of how AI can be incorporated into chemistry.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a member of research and teaching staff based at a UK institution eligible to receive EPSRC funding
- Have a staff contract that lasts at least until the end of the proposed project
- Propose a project that will help to bring AI into chemistry teaching practice and support the wider mission of the AIchemy Hub to transform the AI-chemistry interface.
Collaborative (joint) applications are eligible, provided a single applicant is clearly identified for administrative purposes.
Eligible Costs include:
- Access/subscription to AI tools required for the project (note that applicants must ensure they abide by any of their own institution’s policies on the use of AI tools for teaching purposes).
- Incentives for student testing (e.g. Amazon vouchers)
- Travel costs to meet with collaborators (up to 25% of total requested funds)
If you are unsure whether your proposed costs would be eligible, get in touch with us before you apply at funding@aichemy.ac.uk.
Ineligible Costs:
- Staff costs for any member of research or teaching staff.
- Student interns/casual workers – please see associated Internship call which can be used to fund students on summer projects up to 8 weeks.
- Expenses unrelated to the project activities.
- Any costs not applicable via EPSRC funding which includes expenses related to non-UK based staff or students.
How to Apply:
Applications should be completed using the application form available via our website. This should be emailed to funding@aichemy.ac.uk by 17:00, Friday 27th March 2026. This is a one stage application.
The online application form has the following sections:
- Purpose and aim of the project
- Expected outcomes and benefits
- Budget breakdown and justification
- EDI monitoring form (separate online form)
Please contact funding@aichemy.ac.uk to discuss any questions or concerns regarding the eligibility your proposal prior to application.
Assessment Process:
Applications will be assessed by the AIchemy AI in Chemistry Education Steering Committee using the following criteria:
- Aim – a defined research project that aims to advance the use of AI in chemistry teaching practice and aligns with the wider vision of the Hub to transform the AI-chemistry landscape.
- Potential for Impact – outcomes likely to lead to changes to chemistry teaching practice in own institution and beyond.
- Quality – Clarity and feasibility of the proposed activity, including the appropriateness of the approach, likelihood of achieving stated objectives.
Post-Award Expectations:
Successful applicants will be required to submit a final report within one month of completing their proposed project outlining how objectives were met, summary of key outcomes, and include any future plans.
A template is provided online and available to download along with all necessary documents for this fund.
Successful applicants will also be invited to present their project at a future AIchemy AI in Chemistry Education event.
Funding Arrangements:
- Funds will generally be distributed under a short form Brunswick collaboration agreement with the applicant’s host institution. In certain circumstances, and where mutually agreed, an alternative reimbursement mechanism (e.g. expense claim) may be considered.
- All allowable expenditure will only be reimbursed upon submission of the final report and accompanying claims invoice (or expense claim form).
