Vanessa Lawrence CBInterim Chair of Board of Trustees
Research institute · Science policy · British Library, United Kingdom · Est. 2015
The Alan Turing Institute is the UK’s independent national research institute for data science and artificial intelligence, structured as a charity and company limited by guarantee. It is headquartered at the British Library in London and was founded in March 2015 following an EPSRC open competition among UK research funders and universities.
The Institute’s remit and strategy cover research excellence plus knowledge exchange and public engagement, including a focus on how data science and AI can be developed and deployed ethically. Its stated purpose includes advancing public benefit through research, knowledge exchange and public engagement in data science, with artificial intelligence covered by its remit. Operationally, The Turing organizes its work across multiple “science and innovation” themes, including Defence Artificial Intelligence Research (DARe), Health, Environment and Sustainability, and Fundamental Research. In parallel, it runs major skills and learning initiatives, including the Turing Online Learning Platform (free courses) and programmes intended to grow capabilities across sectors (for example, by convening learners and practitioners through activities such as Data Study Groups).
The Institute posted an announcement about Professor Michael Wooldridge being made an Honorary Fellow.
New AI system can monitor satellite behaviour to boost space safetyThe Institute announced a Defence AI Research Centre (DARe) tool described as an AI model that predicts anomalies and satellite motion by learning from how light is reflected off objects in space.
New national blueprint for embedding data-centric engineering skills in higher educationThe Institute reported on a Royal Academy of Engineering–led initiative (with the Institute and Lloyd’s Register Foundation) focused on embedding data-centric engineering skills into UK higher education engineering programmes, including curriculum guidance.
George Williamson joins the Turing as new CEOThe Institute announced Dr George Williamson as its new CEO, describing his prior role leading HMGCC’s work to create tools and technologies for the national security community and providing his stated vision for sovereign capability and national resilience.
New project to build trust in AI for air traffic controlThe Institute announced a project described as building an open-source toolkit for continuously evaluating and improving trust in AI deployed for air traffic control.
New research will help UK prepare for next wave of frontier AIThe Institute announced new research intended to help the UK prepare for the next wave of frontier AI, framing it as tied to national security and resilience.