Newsletter Issue - 28-09-2026

CDT Weekly Newsletter


Welcome to this week’s issue of the newsletter.



Data Ethics Club


28 October 2026, online (Zoom), 1 - 2pm

The next meeting of the Data Ethics Club will take place on 28 October. There is no need to register, just pop in!

For more information about the club and upcoming discussions, see Data Ethics Club. 



JGI Training Sessions


The Jean Golding Institute (JGI) delivers online training in data science and research software engineering which is available to all University of Bristol staff and students. Registration is open and a full list of courses can be found on the JGI training website. These include sessions on Python, R, an Introduction to AI, and Best Practices in Software Engineering.  

See the JGI Training Session schedule and book your place here. 



University Research Institutes reception


Wednesday 14 October, 2:00 - 4:30pm, Arts Complex

As part of the University’s 150th anniversary celebrations, you are welcome to join the University of Bristol’s University Research Institutes (URIs) for a special networking and catch-up event, with the Brigstow Institute; Cabot Institute for the Environment; Elizabeth Blackwell Institute for Health Research; Jean Golding Institute for Data and AI.

Hear how the URIs will be working together over the next three years on big global challenges, and how you can join interdisciplinary research networks, access funding and training opportunities and get involved.

Find out more and register for this event!



University of Tokyo/RIKEN AIP events


Thank you to everyone who joined us for the University of Tokyo/RIKEN AIP Visiting Speaker Event and the joint UoB/RIKEN AIP Workshop this week. We hope you enjoyed the inspiring talks, engaging discussions, and opportunities to connect with colleagues and peers.


Apply for Thesis Boot Camp


Applications close on Thursday 22 October, 11:45pm

Staring at a blinking cursor? Wrestling with that elusive first draft? Thesis Boot Camp might be exactly what you need. This intensive three-day writing retreat (Friday 20 to Sunday 22 November) is designed to help late-stage PGRs break through writer’s block and make real progress on their thesis.   

Think of it as a focused sprint to get your ideas flowing and words on the page – with expert support and fellow PGRs cheering you on.   

A three-day intensive writing retreat for final-stage PGRs. Overcome writer’s block, benefit from dedicated writing time, and make significant progress on your thesis in a supportive environment.

Find out more and book



Volunteer at a Language Cafe


Application deadline: Friday 25 September

Love languages and meeting new people? Volunteer at the Global Lounge’s weekly Language Café and connect with students from across the globe. All languages are welcome! 
Find out more and apply here


Turing Opportunities


 

1. Turing Internship Network - Applications now open! 

Deadline to apply: 11:00 am (UK time), Tuesday 13 October 2026.

 

Looking to apply your research skills beyond academia?

 

The Turing Internship Network (TIN) is offering 11 paid internship opportunities with the Alan Turing Institute (6 positions) and the UK Ministry of Justice (5 positions).

 

These exciting 3 -12 month paid internships provide the chance to work on real-world challenges across the justice, sustainability and defence sectors, and gain new skills in a business setting.

 

Find out more and apply here

 

2. Turing Institute Funded AI Opportunity for Government Challenges

 

The Alan Turing Institute is inviting challenge proposals for a Data Study Group (DSG) taking place in March 2027 as part of the Open Source AI Fellowship Programme.

 

A DSG is a fully funded five-day research sprint that brings together multidisciplinary AI researchers to tackle real-world problems, generate insights, and produce openly licensed outputs.

 

The Institute is seeking data-rich challenges that support government priorities and could benefit from AI and data science approaches.

 

If you have a challenge that may be suitable, please review the opportunity details and submit a challenge proposal to datastudygroup@turing.ac.uk by 30 September 2026.

Find out more about the Data Study Group programme and submit a proposal.

 

This opportunity would be covered by the Open Source AI Fellowship grant, funded by Meta.

 



Research Capability Hub (RCH) Connect 2026


21 October 2026, 9:30am to 4:00pm| Swansea University and Online

Registration is now open for RCH Connect 2026, the first annual event hosted by the Research Capability Hub (RCH). Bringing together social science researchers, training providers and organisations from across the UK and beyond.

This event will explore the future of social science research training and capability, with interactive sessions, discussions, networking and opportunities to help shape the development of the Hub. It may be of particular interest to those looking to engage with social science research, broaden interdisciplinary perspectives, or develop collaborative projects across disciplines.

The event will be held at Swansea University, with an online option also available.

Find out more and register for online or in-person attendance.



Forthcoming Calendar of Events



UK AI Research Symposium