How we're rising to Prime Minister’s AI challenge

In response to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s call on the UK to unlock the power of artificial intelligence (AI), our Vice-Chancellor Professor Maria Fasli is highlighting how our AI researchers are rising to the challenge by supporting more businesses, organisations and charities than ever before.

Our School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering and Institute for Analytics and Data Science have placed the University at the forefront of the AI revolution while our successful Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme means we are one of the leading universities in the UK for working with businesses.

Professor Fasli is an expert on AI and its applications and UNESCO Chair in Analytics and Data Science. She said: “It's great the Prime Minister is backing what we are doing with AI. We have seen huge interest from businesses, charities, NHS trusts and many other organisations in using artificial intelligence to improve services, streamline processes and develop new products.

“We are immensely proud that AI has been one of Essex’s strengths dating back to the early 1970s when we set up one of the earliest research groups in AI in the UK,  meaning we have a strong group of academics working in this vitally important field.

"The feedback from the companies and organisations we work with is incredibly positive and we’re proud of the impact we can have by connecting people with our research expertise in AI."

Alongside many active research projects, the University of Essex has specialist undergraduate and postgraduate courses focused on artificial intelligence including its BSc Artificial Intelligence and MSc Artificial Intelligence courses. Essex also offers conversion Masters programmes in Artificial Intelligence to support upskilling people interested in developing a career in AI.

Professor Fasli added: “We’re delighted the Prime Minister has focused attention on AI's immense potential, but our range of expertise stretches across many other fields and we focus on connecting a business or organisation with the right expertise that will meet their individual needs, from tackling an operational challenge to identifying a new market. Access to AI expertise is just one of the tools we can provide to unlocking their potential.”

Professor Hani Hagras, Head of the AI Research Group, said: “Essex maintains world leadership in artificial intelligence research from the theoretical modelling of decision making to the design and implementation of software systems deployed all around the world.

"Alongside world leading research, we are sharing our knowledge with students through our teaching and preparing the next generation of AI experts."

AI researcher Dr Haider Raza added: "AI’s potential to improve lives is immense. At Essex, we are exploring the possibilities of AI and equipping the next generation of innovators with the skills to shape the future.

"Our students gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI tools and techniques, preparing them to drive innovation across industries and make a meaningful impact in the real world."

More about our AI expertise

The University's Artificial Intelligence Research Group includes more than 20 academics and covers five key themes: analytics and data science; computational finance and economics; natural language and information processing; games and AI; and future health and technology.

Recent projects include:

• £1m project to revolutionise AI-powered logistics in UK ports
• New AI tool to help reduce skin cancer waiting times
• Cutting-edge technique sees how babies respond to faces
• Essex KTP associate shortlisted for Innovate UK Award

AI has also been at the heart of numerous recent Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.