A report commissioned by EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Science Research Council) has called for reforms to be implemented by The Alan Turing Institute in order to enhance its role as a national institute for data science and artificial intelligence and maintain its current level of funding. EPSRC conducted a comprehensive five-year review of The Alan Turing Institute, with independent experts assessing the institute’s achievements during its initial five years of operation and examining its future strategies. The review findings were announced after The Alan Turing Institute received £100 million in funding from the UK’s spring budget to address national and international challenges in data science and AI.
The report acknowledged the value of the institute’s work, using the phrase “clear value” in its assessment, and expressed optimism for the institute’s future. It also emphasized its expectations for the incoming CEO’s approach and the board of trustees. However, the review identified five areas of concern, including financial management, governance issues, ecosystem relationships, operational effectiveness, and strategy implementation.
Regarding governance, the panel noted that while The Alan Turing Institute has made contributions to the national AI ecosystem, some British research stakeholder groups still feel excluded. The review also indicated a lack of significant achievements in this area. Additionally, the report recommended refining the institute’s leadership structure and overall governance to better reflect the diversity of the broader industry. Despite these concerns, the review commended The Alan Turing Institute for its strategy implementation, vision, renewed approach, and focus on national security and defense, healthcare transformation, sustainability, and the environment.
The research panel also advised adopting a clear approach and set of rules for interactions within the AI ecosystem to prevent duplication of research by other institutes. They also raised concerns about financial oversight and called for assurance regarding the use of public funds.
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