About the Programme
Queen Mary University of London
DERI
- Location
- London, United Kingdom
- Funding
- UKRI-BBSRC
- Application deadline
- See university guidance
About the project
- Digital Environment Research Institute (DERI)
- UKRI AIDD Doctoral Training Programme
About the Programme
Realising the potential of AI in drug discovery requires interdisciplinary researchers who have both a deep knowledge of basic biological principles and an understanding of advanced AI methodologies. Recognising that such people are scarce, Recursion, MSD, Nxera, and Queen Mary University of London joined forces to train the next generation of AI Drug Discovery researchers. Together, with financial support from UKRI-BBSRC , the programme has supported 28 PhD students.
What is special about this doctoral programme? Traditionally, PhD training involves developing a research project within a defined discipline or specialty area, working exclusively at an academic institution. What makes our AI for Drug Discovery (AIDD) doctoral training programme special is that students become part of our AIDD community, working at the interface of academia and industry. Novel features of our programme include:
Interdisciplinary focus All our projects are multidisciplinary, combining AI and bioscience. The programme will create in-demand PhD graduates skilled in latest AI technologies but also deep understanding of the bioscience behind drug discovery.
Industry relevance Unlike traditional PhD projects ours are designed jointly by industry-based researchers and academics from QMUL, and company-led projects have engagement from both industry and academia, with an optional company placement.
Embracing diversity There is a growing awareness that more diversity in pharmatech and AI is needed. This includes women, black and minority ethnic scientists who are historically underrepresented in life sciences and computing. The programme will help grow diversity in the sector by embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the programme through recruitment and progression monitoring, mitigating unconscious bias and supporting career progression through flexible working patterns.
Find our more details on the students, and projects funded as part of the programme on Our People pages. You can also follow the programme on our LinkedIn Page for up-to-date news and activities.
Explore Recursion
Recursion is a clinical stage TechBio company leading the space by decoding biology to radically improve lives
Explore Nxera
Our mission is to accelerate the development of life-changing medicines, by investing in science and technology
Explore MSD
Transforming the lives of millions of patients in the UK by providing innovative medicines, vaccines and services, through partnerships with the NHS.