Monday, 07 July 2025
A group of students from less advantaged backgrounds from across the UK are taking part in a new summer internship programme at the University of Nottingham to gain knowledge and skills in Artificial Intelligence.
The School of Computer Science at the University of Nottingham is running the Google Deepmind Research Ready Scheme this summer and has selected 12 undergraduate students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds to take part in the 8 week programme.
This programme, supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering, in partnership with Google DeepMind and the Hg Foundation, is designed to equip participants with the tools and opportunities needed to progress into research and careers in AI. It is part of the University of Nottingham’s Widening Participation activities that targets students who are underrepresented in higher education.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing sectors in technology today. It is being used everywhere to automate processes, analyse customer data, and drive efficiency - from financial services, retail, manufacturing and healthcare to agriculture, transportation, and entertainment. Most industry sectors are investing in AI, making it an attractive career choice. AI research is also moving at pace and is a driving force for innovation.
Students taking part in one of the AI workshops
During the programme the students will collaborate with leading researchers and industry representatives to develop technical skills, and gain hands-on experience through a variety of AI research projects. The programme is designed to improve their knowledge of the different areas of AI and the possible career routes available, and build their confidence in taking the next steps in their education or career in AI.
The students will have access to all of the facilities on campus and receive support from staff and student mentors throughout the programme. Each student will choose their own project to research with a presentation and demonstration of these at the end of the internship.
AI is an extremely fast moving area of research and industry and offers a wide range of career opportunities for students. We want to ensure all students are equipped to be successful and this programme will allow students who may not have access to additional support or networks to gain valuable knowledge that will help with their future career and hopefully they will leave feeling more confident about their future.
Mateusz Klocek, 20, has just finished his 3rd year at the University of Nottingham and is taking part in the internship.
I decided to take part to gain research experience and finding out whether I want to pursue research in the future and it seemed like a really good opportunity to get some hands-on experience outside of a typical university programme. Also, this internship is something extra outside of usual university study to show some more initiative, build my CV and get some research experience for the future. I also just find AI really interesting – so it’s a perfect “summer job” to work on this project and expand my skills.
Bhavika Rhagupatruni, 21, has just finished her 3rd year at the University of Essex
My career aspirations long-term are to work in AI - either in the industry or in academia, I would like to be able to contribute to society and use AI particularly for healthcare and to improve human society. During this internship, I hope to learn how I can attain a career in AI, what soft and hard skills, technologies, education I will need to attain that and how to research responsibly and ethically.
Story credits
More information is available from Professor Ender Ozcan on Ender.Ozcan@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 97 in the world and 17th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the third most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2024 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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