In Summer 2025, we welcomed 10 students as part of our first Google DeepMind Research Ready cohort. Over eight weeks, our 2025 cohort immersed themselves in cutting-edge AI projects, learned from world-leading experts, and built skills that will shape their futures in academia and industry. This was supported by Dr Alma Rahat, Dr Megan Venn-Wycherley and Jenna Hopkins from the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Swansea University.
What Our Interns Did
Our programme began with an inspiring kick-off featuring faculty talks on the history and trajectory of AI. Dr Andy Gray from Bath Spa University shared his journey from dropping out of college to becoming a lecturer in AI, while Dr Sara Sharifzadeh discussed her research path and Professor John Tucker explored how history shapes future innovation.
Throughout the summer, interns engaged with advanced topics including neural networks, federated learning, and formal modelling. Beyond technical skills, we provided CV support, career planning, and ongoing mentoring. The relationships don’t end when the programme does – we continue supporting our alumni with feedback, references, and guidance on professional networking. Students also optionally produced their own research papers on projects, which can be found here.
Learning from the Best
Our interns had exclusive access to leading researchers and professionals. Dr. Piotr Mirowski from Google DeepMind shared insights into his career trajectory, while Professor Ian Townsend from the University of Exeter spoke about AI research and academic pathways. Dr. Hazel Dixon from Royal Holloway led an engaging mini hackathon exploring AI in the creative industries. Dr. Jamie Gallagher provided stand-out public skills training about how to effectively communicate technical projects and get people engaged.
The technical and research training included things like: writing and reviewing research papers with an IEEE journal Editor in Chief, applying to PhD programmes, systematic literature reviews, LaTeX for academic writing, and insights from postdoctoral researchers on projects like Everyone Virtuoso Everyday, and exploring how AI can help older adults live independently.
What sets this programme apart is the authenticity of the experience! Students worked on genuine research challenges – including the messy realities that come with them. The programme culminated in a symposium where interns delivered 15-minute research talks to the department. Professor Tom Crick MBE, Chief Scientific Advisor at DCMS, delivered the keynote, sharing his own journey with AI and its role in policy-making.
More Than a Programme
Perhaps the most fun aspect of the 2025 cohort was the community they built. While we organised structured social activities (including a friendly racing sim rally competition, trips and a pizza lunch or two) the interns took ownership of their experience. They organised their own hikes to the top of Pen-y-Fan, day trips to Cardiff, and even planned to attend hackathons together after the programme ended!
As one student put it: “Working on something that isn’t just another university project… something that’s gonna have an actual, real-world effect” helped them see the relevance of their work beyond their university course.