PhD Studentship in AI and Human Autonomy at University College Dublin University College Dublin in Canada

University College Dublin is advertising a PhD studentship in AI and Human Autonomy within a new multi-institutional, interdisciplinary national centre for data science and AI funded by Research Ireland.

The specific project highlighted by Susan Leavy and David Coyle is titled “AI and Autonomy: Responsible Human-AI Interaction.” The research theme focuses on how AI may affect human cognition and autonomy, and on identifying design features of GenAI applications that support independent human reasoning, deliberation, and agency.

This opportunity is suitable for applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, including cognitive science, psychology, philosophy, literature, social science, AI, computational linguistics, and related areas. The broader cohort also spans foundational methods, translational methods, data processing, people-centred AI, democratic governance, society and culture, and health.

Funding is strong: the studentship provides a €25,000 annual stipend for four years (tax free), plus additional support for conference attendance, training activities, and fees.

Applications are currently open and will close when all places are filled; the post states a closing date of 2 June 2026. Applicants interested in the highlighted project should complete the linked form and, for additional studentships, submit a 2-page maximum research proposal with the application. Candidates are encouraged to contact potential UCD supervisors to discuss research ideas.

Relevant UCD contacts mentioned include Claire Gormley, Aphra Kerr, and Brian Mac Namee.