By uniting diverse perspectives and expertise, AI:X Labs aim to drive scientific breakthroughs, deliver practical solutions, and contribute to societal well-being. Researchers are invited to contribute to this ambitious vision, shaping the future of AI and positioning Aalborg University as a leader in this critical area. The AI:X Labs will embody the bridge between research ‘in,’ ‘with,’ and ‘through’ AI, focusing on integrating AI-focused and AI-integrated approaches.

AI-focused approaches are centered on the core development of AI itself as a field of study. It involves advancing the theoretical foundations, algorithms, models, data and technologies of AI.

AI-integrated approaches are focused on embedding AI into other fields to solve problems, enhance processes, or create new opportunities. AI serves as a key tool or lens for inquiry, working alongside other disciplines, including ethics, organizational research, and societal studies.

Each AI:X-Lab is built around a collaborative and interdisciplinary team structure, designed to drive innovation and deliver impactful research. Below is an overview of the key participants who will contribute to the lab’s success:

Each AI:X-Lab is funded through the university’s strategic and prioritization pools allocated to the faculties. The funding is targeted to support core activities:

• PhD Positions: The salary for four PhD students per lab is funded in full. They form the backbone of the lab’s research capacity and contribute to its interdisciplinary goals.
• Lab Operations: A budget of DKK 50,000 is allocated per lab to cover operational costs and support collaborative activities.

However, Lab Leadership and Mentorship are not included in the strategic funding. The participating departments must cover these, ensuring their commitment to the lab’s success.

No additional strategic funding will be provided beyond this initial allocation. Labs are expected to operate within the provided resources, and securing external funding is strongly encouraged to enhance and sustain the lab’s activities.

The AI:X Labs initiative will launch in two phases:

2025: The first five labs will be established, marking the initial phase of the program.

2026: An additional four labs will be launched.

All AI:X Labs are designed as virtual labs, enabling interdisciplinary collaboration across departments without requiring a shared physical space. The virtual structure ensures that the labs can bring together expertise from across the university, overcoming traditional barriers to collaboration.

To be eligible for participation in the AI:X Labs initiative, applicants must meet two key criteria:

• Employment at Aalborg University: Applicants must hold an employment position at Aalborg University by the expected start date of the PhD positions, August 1, 2025.
• PhD Timing and Eligibility Window: Eligibility is determined by the time elapsed since the applicant’s first PhD defense, which must fall between 3 to 12 years before January 1 of the call year. The eligibility window may be extended in certain circumstances, including maternity or parental leave, long-term illness, family care leave, military service, or humanitarian work.

You can participate in more than one proposal, but you can only be granted one AI:X lab.

• Salary for four fully funded PhD positions per lab.
• A budget of DKK 50,000 for lab operations.
• Departments must cover lab leadership and mentorship costs.

• The first five labs will launch in 2025. We will make a new call in 2026, and further labs will be initiated.
• Applications open ahead of each launch cycle - start preparing now to shape the future of AI research at AAU.
• The application deadline in 2025 is 16 March.

AI:X-Lab proposals will be evaluated using the criteria outlined below. The assessment is conducted by the Deans, and proposals must align with the Lab allocation and budget approved by executive management.

These criteria provide a balanced framework for evaluating AI:X-Lab proposals and ensuring alignment with Aalborg University’s strategic vision.