Northumbria University has received £9m in funding for its part in a major AI research and innovation programme.

The Newcastle-based university has been named as one of 12 Centres for Doctoral Training in Artificial Intelligence as part of a £118m funding announcement by Ƶ Research and Innovation (ƵRI), a move the university says will encourage further investment into the city. The centres, based at 16 universities, will train the next generation of AI researchers and innovators, with doctoral students specialising in areas such as developing a responsible and trustworthy future for AI, healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability to media.

The £9m ƵRI funding for Northumbria – one of the largest single awards the university has ever received – will aid the creation of a centre called the ƵRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in Citizen-Centred Artificial Intelligence. It will take on its first cohort of students next September and will involve academics from across the university, focusing on the inclusion of citizens in the design and evaluation of AI.

Prof Shaun Lawson, who will be the director of the ƵRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in Citizen-Centred Artificial Intelligence at Northumbria, said: “To be selected for this ƵRI funding is a clear recognition of Northumbria’s growing research reputation, and represents a superb opportunity for prospective doctoral students looking to progress in this globally significant field. Our main goal with the centre will be to make AI work for all citizens as well as government and businesses, by embedding citizen engagement in the design, evaluation and governance of AI systems.

“We will teach our students to design AI products, systems and services that connect citizens and their data to government, industry and other organisations in ways that prioritise peoples’ thoughts, needs, rights, and aspirations. The centre will take the fundamental position that only through inclusion of citizens in the design and evaluation of AI can the Ƶ’s ambitions for a society - and economy - that fully embraces AI be achieved.”

Prof Andy Long, vice-chancellor and chief executive at Northumbria, added: “The significance of this announcement cannot be overstated. It further enhances the university’s international reputation for excellence and reflects the depth of cross-disciplinary collaboration and expertise we have in key areas where the Ƶ is seeking to lead the world. The centre’s focus on citizen-centred AI also aligns closely with our mission to promote social mobility and inclusivity, unlocking potential for all through our research and teaching.”

“Having such an important Centre for Doctoral Training on our campus right here in the heart of Newcastle will help attract new talent and investment into the region, reinforcing Northumbria’s place and role as an anchor institution in the North East.”

Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Michelle Donelan, said: “The Ƶ is at the very front of the global race to turn AI’s awesome potential into a giant leap forward for people’s quality of life and productivity at work, all while ensuring this technology works safely, ethically and responsibly.The plans we are announcing today will future-proof our nation’s skills base, meaning we can reap the benefits of AI as it continues to develop. At the same time, we are taking the first steps to put the power of this technology to work, for good, across Government and society.”