Design Engineering PhD Scholarship 7

Democratising AI through Decentralization: Governance and Incentives

Abstract
Decentralised AI is an emerging field that redistributes computation and data across networks of devices rather than relying on a central server or data repository. This paradigm holds the promise of more equitable access to AI and broad societal benefits. This project focuses on governance in Decentralised AI, exploring how distributed ledger technologies (blockchains), decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), and game-theoretic incentive design can ensure trust, coordination, and accountability in AI systems without centralized control. By developing and testing new governance mechanisms for decentralized machine learning networks, the project aims to enable transparent, fair, and resilient AI collaborations at scale.

How to Apply 
Please contact Dr Pietro Ferraro if you are interested in applying for this project. 

For more information on submitting a PhD application, please consult our application pages here. When you submit your application, please cite this project title in the 'how you are planning to fund your PhD' section.   

The deadline for submitting your application is 09 January 2026.