University College Cork (UCC) has announced the opening of applications for 19 fully funded PhD studentships under the Rinn Artificial Intelligence network, marking a major €2.85 million investment in advanced research and innovation. The doctoral opportunities are scheduled to commence on 1 October 2026 and form part of a national initiative aimed at strengthening Ireland’s leadership in artificial intelligence, data science, and interdisciplinary research.

The programme is supported by Research Ireland’s newly launched Rinn network, established in June 2026 to drive systemic research collaboration across academia, government, industry, and civil society. The initiative is designed to deliver real-world solutions to pressing global challenges while positioning Ireland as a hub for responsible and impactful AI development.

A National Research Network Focused on AI and Societal Transformation

The Rinn Artificial Intelligence programme has been developed as a national centre for research excellence in AI and data science. Its overarching goals are to:

Advance cutting-edge foundational research in artificial intelligence and data science
Develop interdisciplinary approaches to address complex societal challenges
Promote collaboration between research institutions, industry partners, and policymakers
Strengthen Ireland’s innovation ecosystem through large-scale research coordination

According to programme organisers, the Rinn network represents a strategic shift towards “radical collaboration,” bringing together multiple stakeholders to accelerate research translation and impact across sectors.

The programme also emphasises international engagement and interdisciplinary research, with projects spanning humanities, social sciences, engineering, health sciences, law, and computer science.

Cohort-Based PhD Training and Skills Development

The 19 PhD positions will be delivered through a structured cohort-based doctoral training programme at University College Cork. In addition to individual research projects, students will benefit from a comprehensive skills development framework designed to prepare them for careers in academia, industry, and public service.

Training components include:

Transferable skills development such as communication, ethics, and entrepreneurship
Technical training in machine learning, statistics, programming, and data management
Group-based activities including hackathons and innovation sprints
Peer-led learning through seminars, workshops, and reading groups
Career development and professional mentorship opportunities

Students will also engage in industry and public sector collaboration, including placements, research visits to international institutions, and applied innovation experiences.

Financial Support and Funding Structure

Each PhD scholarship under the programme is valued at €150,000 over four years, including:

A tax-free annual stipend of €25,000
Full coverage of tuition fees for EU students
Fee waivers for non-EU students
Additional funding for conferences, research equipment, and training activities

This funding structure is designed to ensure financial stability for doctoral researchers while supporting high-quality, internationally competitive research outputs.

Research Themes and PhD Opportunities

The 19 doctoral positions are distributed across several interdisciplinary research themes, reflecting the programme’s commitment to addressing complex global challenges through AI-driven research.

AI for Digital Humanities and Heritage (1 PhD)

This theme explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, education, and cultural heritage. The PhD topic focuses on the impact of AI on museums and heritage education, examining how emerging technologies are reshaping learning and public engagement.

Climate and Sustainability (2 PhDs)

Research under this theme addresses the environmental implications of AI and urban sustainability. Topics include:

Modelling the energy and climate impact of data centres and AI-driven digital expansion in Ireland
Using AI and data analytics to study air pollution and urban green space at hyperlocal levels

Cultural and Political Analytics (1 PhD)

This project focuses on data-driven analysis of Irish literary heritage, including the works and correspondence of historical author Maria Edgeworth, contributing to cultural preservation and digital humanities scholarship.

Digital Health Technologies (4 PhDs)

This major theme includes projects applying AI in healthcare contexts, such as:

Predicting brain injury in newborns using fetal heart rate analysis
AI-driven diagnostic tools for inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer
Multi-omics modelling for maternal and child health outcomes
AI-based learning analytics for healthcare professional training

Human-AI Collaboration and Cognition (1 PhD)

This research explores how AI tools influence teamwork and collaboration in flexible working environments, focusing on coordination, communication, and organisational behaviour.

Human-Centred AI Design (2 PhDs)

Projects in this theme prioritise inclusive and ethical AI development, including:

Co-designing AI systems with people with intellectual disabilities
Developing AI tools for underwater acoustic data analysis and environmental research

Optimisation and Reasoning (4 PhDs)

This theme focuses on advanced computational methods and decision-making systems, including:

Human-centric decision support systems
Values-based clinical reasoning in healthcare
Machine learning and optimisation hybrids
Trustworthy AI models for medical diagnosis

Population and Public Health (1 PhD)

This project examines how integrated health data can inform policy and improve chronic disease management and public health outcomes.

Trustworthy AI and Data Science (3 PhDs)

Research includes:

AI safety and regulatory frameworks in law enforcement contexts
Development of reliable agentic AI systems for scientific research
Detection of AI-generated speech and deepfake audio verification

Interdisciplinary Training and Industry Engagement

The programme places strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world engagement. PhD candidates will benefit from exposure to industry partners, government stakeholders, and international research networks.

Key opportunities include:

Industry placements and applied research projects
International academic research visits
Participation in innovation workshops and hackathons
Cross-sector collaboration with public and private institutions

This approach is designed to ensure graduates are equipped with both technical expertise and practical experience applicable to diverse career pathways.

Eligibility and Application Process

Applications are open to graduates across a wide range of disciplines, including:

Computer science and engineering
Mathematics and statistics
Health sciences and life sciences
Social sciences and law
Business and education
Arts, humanities, and digital studies

Applications will be reviewed on a fortnightly basis until all positions are filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply early due to high demand.

Applicants must submit their applications through the official online form and indicate their preferred research theme and supervisor.

Strengthening Ireland’s AI Research Ecosystem

The Rinn Artificial Intelligence PhD programme represents a significant investment in Ireland’s research and innovation landscape. By combining interdisciplinary training, industry collaboration, and advanced AI research, the initiative aims to generate solutions with long-term societal, economic, and environmental impact.

The programme is expected to strengthen Ireland’s position as a global leader in responsible artificial intelligence research while developing a new generation of highly skilled researchers capable of addressing complex global challenges.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.