Applications are now open for a new doctoral studentship, led by King’s College London, London South Bank University and Guildhall School of Music and Drama, for researchers to work in the creative industries, audiences and AI. 

The innovative new doctoral programme, ADAPT-AI: Analysing and Diversifying Audience Participation with Creative Technologies & AI, is one of ten new AHRC Doctoral Focal Awards. Researchers on the ADAPT-AI will be part of a new cohort that can benefit from the new Doctoral School for Arts & Humanities at King’s, and industry partners across the cultural and technology sectors.  

Director of ADAPT-AI, Professor Sarah Atkinson says the programme – which offers fully-funded studentships – is open to applicants that have a range of experience from both within and outside of academia.

“We value many paths to doctoral research. Whether you come from academic study, professional practice in creative industries, or have taken a non-traditional route to research – your unique perspective and experience are what we’re looking for.”

The deadline for applications is 13 February 2026 – full application details are available on the ADAPT-AI ‘How to Apply’ page. 

A triumvirate of interface, interaction and integration

The ADAPT-AI programme is centred around three main research themes: Audience Interfaces, Audiences Interaction, and Audience Integration and benefits from three leading academic intuitions. 

King’s College London has a distinguished history in digital humanities and artificial intelligence, London South Bank University has expertise in media production and community engagement, and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama is world-leading in performance and creative practice. 

Successful candidates will be working with world-leading cultural venues including Serpentine Arts Technologies, Southbank Centre, Barbican Immersive and more.  

The programme is part of the newly launched Doctoral School for Arts & Humanities, based in the Faculty of Arts & Humanities at King’s College London.