Lancaster University has announced it is set to lead on a new £9m research hub which aims to transform the way we develop and use artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
Working closely with partners in industry, the ProbAI Hub will bring together leading researchers from mathematics, statistics and computational AI to develop the mathematical foundations of probabilistic AI.
Focusing on forging a greater understanding around probability within AI models, the project will enable AI to evolve and tackle complex problems across applications from weather forecasting to cyber security, and from healthcare to infrastructure planning.
Researchers behind the hub, which is led by Lancaster University and involves the Universities of Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Manchester and Warwick, say it will lead to more accurate AI models, greater transparency of the limits of AI models’ predictions, and efficiency improvements which will help reduce the energy demand of AI models.
Professor Peter Atkinson, Executive Dean of Lancaster University’s Faculty of Science and Technology, said: “The field of AI is growing at a rapid pace and these new tools will be invaluable to future economic growth, as well as having the potential to bring great benefits to society.
“This significant investment is a further recognition of the excellent and long-established research strength Lancaster has in mathematics and statistics and follows the recently announced MARS: Mathematics for AI in Real World Systems investment. These exciting new investments demonstrate that Lancaster is rapidly becoming a leading force in mathematics for AI.”
The ProbAI Hub, has received £8.5 million of funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The funding comes as part of an £80 million investment in nine AI research hubs that will propel the UK to the forefront of advanced AI research.
A further contribution of more than £1 million has been made by project partners, which includes an initial 12 businesses and governmental organisations.
Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, Chief Executive of UKRI, said: “UKRI is supporting researchers and innovators to develop the next generation of AI technologies that will transform our economy and society. The investments announced today will help to deliver the capability the UK needs to realise the opportunities of this transformative technology.”
More information at https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/news/lancaster-leads-on-new-9-million-mathematics-for-ai-research-hub
