A new generation of academics specialising in artificial intelligence (AI) is to be trained by the University of Bath under a programme aimed at keeping the UK at the forefront of the disruptive technology.
The university will lead one of 16 new Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) announced today, creating the experts of tomorrow in accountable, responsible and transparent uses of AI.
The university’s UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in Accountable, Responsible and Transparent AI (ART-AI) will recruit and train at least 60 postgraduate students from diverse backgrounds.
However, while these will include existing AI experts, they will also be drawn from engineering, social science and policy backgrounds to ensure that developments in AI – and decisions on how and when to use it – are informed and ethical.
The expected mass take-up of AI over the next decade means that the individuals needed to make those decisions must be trained not only in AI but also in the applications and implications of AI in areas from engineering to public policy.
The University of Bath’s ART-AI CDT will produce interdisciplinary graduates who can act as leaders and innovators with the knowledge to make the right decisions on what is possible, what is desirable, and how AI can be ethically, safely and effectively deployed.
The university’s Department of Computer Science head Prof Eamonn O’Neill, who will also be the director of the ART-AI CDT, said: “We’re delighted to lead the UKRI ART-AI from the University of Bath, where we will train world-leading ‘specialists with perspectives’.
“The UK is at the forefront of the artificial intelligence and data revolution, and explicit consideration of ethics is essential as AI increases the ability of machines to inform, augment and even replace human decision-making.
“ART-AI will provide a national and global lead on AI ethics and its influence on AI innovations, applications and implications.”
He said the training will bring together students from a variety of backgrounds in interdisciplinary teams, addressing real problems as researchers and reflective practitioners. They will be able to apply knowledge and creative thinking while taking account of individual, societal, and ethical concerns.
“We will recruit from a broad range of backgrounds. We will train AI specialists to deepen their knowledge and innovation capabilities, widen their understanding of applying AI, and take account of the ethical implications of its use,” he said.
“Engineers will develop their skills and knowledge of AI and its applications, opportunities, requirements and constraints. We will also train social scientists and policy experts to develop their understanding of AI so that applications and implications can be assessed, and informed policies and guidance can be provided to industry, governments, regulators and the public.”
The University of Bath-led ART-AI CDT will backed by a consortium of more than 30 wide-ranging partners from the Financial Conduct Authority and the Church of England to Rolls-Royce and a global network of leading universities. The first cohort of PhD students will begin their training this October.
In total the UK’s 16 AI CDTs, based in 14 universities, will train 1,000 PhD students in aspects of AI. The CDTs are being funded by a £100m investment from the government’s UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), with £23m contributed from universities and £78m from partners in cash or in-kind contributions.
UKRI chief executive Prof Sir Mark Walport said: “Artificial intelligence is a disruptive technology in a range of sectors, enabling new products and services and transforming data science. It allows us to develop new approaches to challenges as diverse as early disease diagnosis and climate change.
“To maintain its leadership in AI, the UK will need a new generation of researchers, business leaders and entrepreneurs equipped with new skills. Working with partners across academia and industry, the centres announced today will provide the foundations for these future leaders.”
Business Secretary Greg Clark added: “The UK has long been a nation of innovators and today’s package of AI skills and talent investment will help nurture leading UK and international talent to ensure we retain our world-beating reputation in research and development.
“Artificial intelligence has great potential to drive up productivity and enhance every industry throughout our economy, from more effective disease diagnosis to building smart homes. Today’s announcement is our modern Industrial Strategy in action, investing in skills and talent to drive high-skilled jobs, growth and productivity across the UK.”
