“It’s up to us to lead the UK” - Prof Ramchurn is pushing Southampton as the new AI powerhouse

Southampton has just seen the launch of a new multi-million-pound AI institute, putting the future of ‘safe and trustworthy’ artificial intelligence firmly in the heart of Hampshire.

Gopal Ramchurn, Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the University of Southampton, is heading the Responsible AI UK programme, which has been awarded £31 million through UK Research and Innovation.

“Southampton has a long history of AI research”, he said.

“RAIUK will bring together development across the UK to make this country the world’s leading force for responsible AI.

“We’ll get researchers from different backgrounds and disciplines to work together with policy makers and industry to develop an ecosystem that will underpin AI development and policy.”

The project could bring major breakthroughs in the fields of healthcare, net zero and future mobility, to name a few.

It’s already secured support from the Prime Minister’s office, as well as major private and public organisations like Google and the Met Police.

Together they’re backing the university’s pioneering work to develop AI systems which can respond to the most pressing needs of society.

Dame Wendy Hall, a Regius Professor of Computer Science at the University of Southampton, said: “Billions have gone into AI funding worldwide, but it’s the UK which will develop the future of AI regulation.

“All eyes are on the University of Southampton – it’s up to us to lead the UK on future AI development, and one thing’s for sure, RAIUK will be at the forefront.”

The city has already built a strong reputation for cutting-edge AI tech, whether that be underwater bots aimed at tackling illegal fishing, or a system to help cardiologists treat heart patients.

Prof Ramchurn added: “Artificial intelligence does not need to be feared.

“It can be trustworthy in its functionality, but it’s not yet trusted by the public because maybe it uses personal data in ways that we wouldn’t want it to do.

“It needs to both be technically safe and benefit us all – something we’re aiming to achieve here in Southampton.”

• rai.ac.uk