27.11.2024
Hear about what it’s like to apply for the SAINTS CDT programme from a current PhD researcher
Prenika Anand is one of the SAINTS CDT’s current postgraduate researchers. She began her journey back in September 2024 as one of the very first cohorts of the UK’s first multidisciplinary PhD programme focused solely on the safety of artificial intelligence (AI). Read about Prenika’s experience of the SAINTS CDT application process as she answers some frequently asked questions.
Did you have a particular research project in mind when you applied for SAINTS?
My broad research interests evolved over the two years before discovering SAINTS. My MSc (Master of Science) dissertation for Applied Digital Health at Oxford examined the effectiveness of digital health technologies in preventing social isolation in older adults. This led me to a subsequent research fellowship in exploring the intersections of ageing and technology and joining academic reading groups on AI safety. These developments were a precursor to seeking a PhD programme that would allow me to explore AI and ageism through an interdisciplinary lens, and SAINTS turned out to be the perfect fit.
What was the most challenging part about applying for a SAINTS PhD programme?
Before applying to SAINTS, I was unsure about finding an interdisciplinary programme that would truly support the blend of research interests I wanted to bring forward and learn. The SAINTS program description stood out to me as unlike any other I’d seen—almost like a tailor-made fit. This uniqueness made me eager yet I was nervous about proving my potential across the three selection stages, which naturally created some anxiety.
As an international student, I was also mindful of the challenges of securing full funding, as scholarships for PhD programmes are highly competitive. Now, looking back, I feel the process was well worth it. Upon reflection, what helped me with these challenges, was grounding my research questions in practical industry experience and academic learnings, and having a more informed approach to addressing why the SAINTS PhD programme could help uniquely explore them.
What was the most enjoyable part of your SAINTS recruitment process?
The three-stage recruitment process at SAINTS was a great learning and exploration for me, with feedback from the recruitment panel being valuable. I found it innovative that the selection began with an initial screening, followed by an expression of interest and research proposal stage, and finally, an interview and group assessment. This structure eased the usual pressure of gathering recommendations and consolidating academic records upfront, allowing me to focus first on my core research goals and questions as a prospective student.
A highlight for me was the orientation and tour of the ISA building on our interview day, supported by the amazing SAINTS staff members. That experience gave me a genuine sense of the programme’s values, the collaborative efforts of its stakeholders, and its potential as a globally unique programme in the safety of AI.
Did anything surprise you in your first few weeks in SAINTS?
There have been plenty of surprises, and continue to be. We had a wonderful welcome and induction, and a good lab and workspace in the wonderful ISA (Institute for Safe Autonomy) community to interact with. We have had our first month of interdisciplinary training, which has been very engaging and tailored for absolute beginners in those particular disciplines.
And lastly (I certainly hope this is not just a coincidence), the recruitment process has brought together a very diverse group of individuals in our cohort who also connect and bond well as people!
What one piece of advice would you give to anyone interested in applying for a SAINTS PhD?
From my experience, I can say that having a sense of purpose and practical work experience was invaluable in shaping my initial research question in AI safety and in recognizing the clear value this program brings in supporting it. It can be helpful to reflect on one’s own unique journey in understanding AI as part of their discipline and uncovering what aspect of AI safety and/or risks concerns them the most, and support it with critical thinking.
