Sheffield one of first recipients of Turing Network Development Awards

9th February 2022

The University of Sheffield has been announced as one of the first recipients of a new award launched by The Alan Turing Institute, the UK’s national institute for data science and artificial intelligence (AI).

The University is among 24 UK universities to receive the first-ever Turing Network Development Award which will support the University’s data science and AI research and build on the world-leading expertise at Sheffield to contribute to a national programme that sets the UK apart as a leader in the field.

The exploration of data science and AI has the potential to transform society by tackling some of the global challenges facing healthcare, social justice and manufacturing and industry today, using the wealth of digital data produced by these sectors to improve outcomes and improve lives.

The University of Sheffield demonstrated its proven research excellence and global reputation of translation in data science and AI to win the award, which will enhance Sheffield’s research networks and collaborations as part of the Alan Turing Institute’s innovation community.

Haiping Lu, from the Department of Computer Science at the University of Sheffield, and new Turing Network Development Award Lead, said:

“We are delighted to be one of the first to receive the Turing Network Development Award.

“This award will accelerate our efforts around data science and AI at Sheffield and strengthen our expertise in applying such research to real-world challenges; in medicine and health, manufacturing and industry, and the humanities fields.

“The network will help us grow our engaging research community with The Alan Turing Institute, its partners and the wider region. Our specific expertise will focus on areas of national importance to help the UK’s efforts in developing world-leading data science and AI.”

Adrian Smith, Alan Turing Institute Director, said:

“The awards reflect the demand across a range of sectors to work with the Institute. Data science and AI doesn’t stand still, and so we look forward to working together with this network of universities; exploring new ways to grow the UK’s dynamic research and innovation landscape.”

Professor Gladden, who is currently Executive Chair of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), said:

“UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) ambition is to bring together expertise in both academia and business to retain and extend the UK’s reputation and leadership in AI. The Turing Network Development Awards are an important first step in networking UKRI investments and developing wider partnerships across academia and business with The Alan Turing Institute.”