Heriot-Watt University has been named as one of 29 new members joining the Turing University Network. The network provides institutes that excel in data science and AI the opportunity to engage with its broader network to advance world-class research that address global challenges. Heriot-Watt is home to the National Robotarium, a £22.4m centre for robotics and AI,  created to produce new and innovative technologies to overcome real-world obstacles, boosting its credentials as a leader in the UK data science and AI landscape.

The Alan Turing Institute launched the network as a pilot in April 2023, with an open call for new members announced in early summer this year. It now includes 65 members across the UK, facilitating better connections and providing access to a bespoke network that encourages collaboration across the data science and AI ecosystem. The network is a key component of The Alan Turing Institute’s strategy and supports it in delivering its three overarching goals: to advance world-class research and apply it to national and global challenges, build skills for the future, and drive an informed public conversation.

Dr Jean Innes, Chief Executive Officer of The Alan Turing Institute, said: “We’re really pleased to welcome our new members to the network. We hope that they will benefit from being part of our data science and AI group and find opportunities for new, meaningful collaborations across the data science and AI landscape.”

Oliver Lemon, Professor in Conversational AI, and academic co-lead of the National Robotarium, Heriot-Watt’s Global Research Institute for robotics and artificial intelligence, said: “We are thrilled to be accepted into the Turing University Network, a prestigious consortium of universities dedicated to advancing world-class AI research with real-world applications.

“The National Robotarium was created to develop robotics and AI solutions that make a difference in the world. By joining the Turing University Network, we will be able to collaborate with other leading institutions and build on our collective expertise to create even more ground-breaking innovations.

“This partnership is a testament to the strength of our AI research programme and our commitment to using technology to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. We are excited to work with our fellow Turing Network members to make a positive impact on the economy, industry, and society.”

The full list of universities joining the network are:

•Aston University
•University of Aberdeen
•University of Bath
•University of Bradford
•University of Dundee
•University of East Anglia
•University of Essex
•University of Greenwich
•University of Hull
•University of Lincoln
•University of Portsmouth
•University of Salford
•University of Sussex
•University of Westminster
•University of York
•Birkbeck, University of London
•Coventry University
•Edinburgh Napier University
•Heriot-Watt University
•Lancaster University
•London Business School
•Loughborough University
•Manchester Metropolitan University
•Oxford Brookes University
•Sheffield Hallam University
•Swansea University
•The Open University
•University of Leicester
•University of St Andrews