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 For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel 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.