UK to become AI powerhouse with £31million investment in University of Southampton-led project

The University of Southampton is leading a new consortium for the development of responsible artificial intelligence, which has been awarded £31million by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

The multimillion-pound project, known as Responsible AI UK (RAI UK), will bring together experts to create an international research and innovation ecosystem to develop trustworthy and secure AI that responds to the needs of society.

The £31million funding was awarded as part of a £52million announcement, made today, (Wednesday 14 June). It will work across universities, businesses, public and third sectors and the public to pioneer responsible AI and fund new research to better understand and build trustworthy systems.

Professor of Artificial Intelligence Gopal Ramchurn from the University of Southampton is principal investigator for Responsible AI UK. He said: “We don’t need to fear artificial intelligence, it won’t threaten humanity but has huge potential to influence how society operates in the future.

“AI should not only be technically safe and accountable, but its impact on its users, their wellbeing and rights, and the wider society needs to be understood for people to trust it. RAI UK will bring together experts from diverse disciplines and cultures from across the world to address the most pressing AI challenges in key sectors and ensure we all benefit from the productivity gains it promises to deliver.”

Regius Professor of Computer Science Dame Wendy Hall, from the University of Southampton, said: “AI will change the way we live and work for the better – but an interdisciplinary approach to regulation and safe AI is vital.

“The UK can become the dominant force for responsible and trustworthy AI development and regulation with this £31million investment. The work undertaken by the Responsible AI UK team at the University of Southampton together with our partners across the UK and internationally will put the UK at the forefront of AI’s future for the good of humanity.”

The RAI UK consortium at Southampton will work in partnership with the University of Nottingham.