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