The UK’s elite AI research institute appears to have fallen in step with a government directive to switch focus to defence and security.
As a result, a “significant” number of projects at the Alan Turing Institute will be closed, completed or spun out.
In July, Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle demanded the organisation focus on defence, security and intelligence projects, and sovereign AI.
The organization had already begun overhauling its operations, but Kyle said that “further action was needed to ensure the ATI meets its full potential.” He said the while the organisation is an independent body, it need to focus on “delivering value for money for citizens.”
"Our duty" to protect UK
On Monday, a Turing spokesperson told The Stack: “We’re shaping a new phase for the Turing, and this requires substantial organisational change to ensure we deliver on the promise and unique role of the UK’s national institute for AI and data science.”
The spokesperson added, “As we close, complete or spin out a significant number of projects that don’t align with our renewed focus, we will reinvest in our new priority areas so we can deliver real-world impact for the public good and help keep the UK at the forefront of this technological revolution.”
More broadly, they said, “We are sharply aware of the need to remain coherent and focused, delivering science and innovation of the type which cannot or would not be undertaken by industry or individual universities.
The response came after Institute CEO Jean Innes, and Chair of Trustees Dr Douglas Gurr issued a response to Kyle’s letter on Friday.
“We confirmed to the Secretary of State that the Turing will step up its work on defence, national security and sovereign capabilities,” they wrote.
They accepted that “At this time of national need, it is our duty…to use our unique capabilities to protect the country and help the UK to remain at the forefront of this technological revolution."
Strengthening defence relationships
The Institute had set up a new senior working group of government officials and Turing staff. "We have already identified some areas of initial focus and agreed that the group should meet on a regular basis. “
And it would be taking steps to strengthen its relationship with the defence, national security, and “sovereign AI communities at executive and board level."
At the same time, they insisted it would continue “to drive forward high-impact work in environment and healthcare”, at least where this chimes with government desires and the interests of “philanthropic and private funders.”
The Guardian reported recently that Turing staff had sent a whistleblower complaint to the Charity Commission, saying the organization was in danger of collapse and that the trustees had not provide direction or ensured accountability.
It’s understood the institution has not heard anything from the Charity Commission about any potential complaint.
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