AI.RDN+

The network is funded through a £3.4 million award from the Research England Development Fund and involves 20 partner institutions across the two regions. 

Led jointly by Aston University and the University of Leeds, the project responds to a growing need for evidence, guidance and shared practice on the responsible use of publicly available AI tools in doctoral study. PhD researchers, supervisors and examiners are increasingly engaging with tools such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, yet research‑led frameworks and support are still emerging.

AI.RDN+ provides a coordinated, sector‑wide approach to helping universities navigate this shift, ensuring adoption of AI in research is ethical, transparent and grounded in best practice.

About the network

AI.RDN+ investigates how AI is currently used across the doctoral ecosystem and works with partners to co‑develop training, resources and practical guidance. Activities include:

• Gathering evidence on how doctoral researchers, supervisors, examiners and research‑enabling staff are using AI tools, and where challenges or uncertainties exist. 
• Identifying risks, opportunities and emerging forms of good practice.
• Producing training materials, case studies and best‑practice resources to support responsible AI use. 
• Developing a dedicated AI.RDN+ online portal to host guidance, examples and practical tools for the sector.
• Building a national network of researchers, supervisors, graduate schools, industry and policy partners committed to shaping responsible AI adoption.

The network is supported by major national bodies, including Vitae, the UK Council for Graduate Education (UKCGE) and the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB). 

Why it matters

AI tools offer opportunities to improve efficiency, creativity and accessibility in doctoral research. They can assist with literature searching, coding, data analysis, drafting, and workflow management. Yet they also raise important questions around:

• Research integrity and transparency
• Supervisory practice and assessment
• Data security and ethics
• Equitable access and digital literacy
• Changing skills requirements for researchers

Current evidence shows that doctoral researchers and their supervisors often feel under‑prepared to make informed, ethical decisions about AI use — and that institutional guidance is patchy or still in development. AI.RDN+ aims to address these gaps through collective action. 

Midlands Innovation’s Role

Midlands Innovation is a founding partner in AI.RDN+ and plays a central part in shaping its direction. All eight MI universities contribute to the programme, bringing expertise in:

• Doctoral training and researcher development
• AI research and digital transformation
• Research culture, integrity and skills
• Policy, ethics and governance

AI.RDN+ builds on MI’s long track record of regional collaboration and our commitment to supporting open, responsible, high‑quality research practice across the sector.

What AI.RDN+ will deliver

Across the four‑year programme, AI.RDN+ will create:

• A robust evidence base
  Understanding real‑world AI use in doctoral research across disciplines and institutions.
• Sector‑wide training and guidance
  Covering responsible use, attribution, ethics, supervision, assessment, and emerging good practice.
• A national resource hub
  A public online portal offering tools, case studies, frameworks, and insights to support universities and researchers.
• A community of practice
  A sustained network connecting universities, industry partners, policy bodies and professional services teams.

Partners

AI.RDN+ includes:

• Aston University (co‑lead)
• University of Leeds (co‑lead)
• Midlands Innovation’s eight partner universities
• Twelve Yorkshire Universities institutions
• National partners: Vitae, UKCGE, Jisc, NCUB and others.

Find out more

Further details, resources and updates are available on the AI.RDN+ website:

https://ai-rdn.ac.uk/