The Alan Turing Institute, a publicly funded research organisation focused on AI and data science, has been deemed “unsatisfactory” in a review of its work.
The review, conducted by the government funding body UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), acknowledged the “strong foundations” and “clear evidence of scientific excellence” at the institute, however, warned that it must “articulate a clear strategic purpose and strengthen delivery”.
UKRI said following its review that “overall strategic alignment and value for money are not yet satisfactory”.
Several recommendations have therefore been made to improve UKRI’s assessment of the Alan Turing Institute.
It has urged the group to have a clear, single purpose focused on national resilience, security and defence, which ministers at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) have been specifically urging for some time.
It suggested that it strengthen its governance, reinstate external scientific advice and scrutiny, improve engagement with key stakeholders and produce a value for money framework in partnership with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.
“Artificial intelligence presents a major opportunity for the UK. Realising that opportunity depends on institutions that are focused, effective and aligned to national need,” said Prof Charlotte Deane, UKRI AI senior responsible owner.
“This review recognises the value and potential of The Alan Turing Institute, but it also makes clear that significant change is needed in some areas.
“UKRI is committed to ensuring our investments deliver fully in the national interest. That means backing new opportunities with ambition, and it also means being prepared to make difficult changes where they are needed in the national interest.”
UKRI said it will work with the institute to “take forward the review’s recommendations and strengthen delivery against the UK’s priorities”.