Through this call, we offer selected research projects hands-on support in applying AI and machine learning, delivered as a working collaboration with our Digital Research Engineers. You can request part of a research engineer’s time over a period of 6 months, where 1-2 research engineers join your project and works alongside your team on concrete tasks, for example:
Scoping for what AI/ML can realistically contribute to your research.
Preparing and structuring data for AI/ML.
Exploring and implementing suitable methods and models.
Setting up training and evaluation pipelines on local/national computing infrastructure.
The aim is not only to solve an immediate technical problem, but to leave your group with methods, tools and know-how that you can build on in future work. No previous AI/ML experience is required.
Mode of Collaboration
The Digital Research Engineers can participate in projects where there is a total effort of up to maximally 400 hours (per project) during a 6 month-period. Please estimate the number of hours you ask for, and round off to nearest hundreds of hours. For exploratory projects that are deemed to be less than 2 weeks of full-time work, contact us directly.
We expect to be able to support around 4 projects with the maximal number of hours, or a few more part-time projects.
The main applicant is required to have a Chalmers affiliation, but external partners can also be included.
To ensure knowledge transfer and enable continuation of the project, the main applicant or a designated team member must allocate dedicated time to actively collaborate with the Digital Research Engineers.
The project applications are evaluated according to evaluation criteria (see below). The e-Commons Scientific Committee (external to e-Commons) is central to the evaluation and grading process.
We encourage multi-disciplinary projects and new collaborations across Chalmers research areas.
Funding
There is no user fee associated with an accepted project. Proposals that are direct continuations of earlier projects with participation from the Digital Research Engineers at Chalmers e-Commons require that the support is funded by the research project.
Application Format
The project proposal should be a maximum of three pages long. A one-page CV of the main applicant should be attached. If relevant, additional one-page CVs of other project participants may also be attached. The project proposal should include:
Project title and project acronym.
Research leader/main applicant: Name, e-mail and department.
Preferred starting date and ending date. The starting date should ideally be close to January 2027.
An overview of the proposed project with background about the research challenges and objectives, application of AI and machine learning, and a description of the type, size and availability of the data to be used in the project. This section should also include any limitations or restrictions on the use of the data, e.g. IPR restrictions, ethical approval requirements, GDPR considerations.
An overview of what different types of expertise are needed and what novel possibilities you see in partnering with the Digital Research Engineers at Chalmers e-Commons, as well as the proposed effort for one or more of the Digital Research Engineers (hours during the project time span).
Concrete descriptions of the commitment provided by the research group hours of full time of own work, financial support for work by the Digital Research Engineers), current knowledge of AI/ML in your group, and how you plan to further incorporate these aspects in your group.
The expected outcome (including a dissemination/publication plan) and the potential for further research/activities based on the proposed project.
How to apply
The application is submitted as one single PDF document to e-commons@chalmers.se with “AIML Application” in the subject line.
Process
The deadline for submitting a project proposal is 2026-11-27. We warmly welcome informal discussions about your project at an early stage, before you submit. Contact us at e-commons@chalmers.se with “Meeting request” in the subject line.
The submitted proposals will be reviewed in a process including the Chalmers e-Commons Scientific Committee (senior researchers from different departments of Chalmers).
Evaluation criteria:
1. Scientific quality
2. Motivation for AI/ML (explicit argument). How much is using AI/ML going to impact the research results?
3. Currently available data: Annotated, labelled, size, type of data, data source, etc.
4. Research group involvement. How will competence from this effort affect your group or research environment on the long-term. What are they expected to learn and what share of current staff time can be set aside for this work?
Available technical competence/feasibility at e-Commons will also be evaluated by the e-Commons director. The final decision is made a few weeks after the deadline, and it will be possible to start getting support in projects from the beginning of January or slightly later.
For the supported projects, a plan and agreement will be made and set up jointly by the project applicants and involved Digital Research Engineers from Chalmers e-Commons.
About
Chalmers e-Commons is the university’s digital research infrastructure, with a mandate to support Chalmers research in all aspects of research data and computing, from data collection, large-scale computing and analysis to storage, sharing and publication of data. The group of Digital Research Engineers is a central resource at Chalmers e-Commons by focusing on building and developing contacts with Chalmers research and supporting research activities in different ways, partly by working hands-on in collaboration projects. Read more at Chalmers e-Commons.