The Alan Turing Institute is the UK’s national institute for data science and artificial intelligence. The announcement of the appointments to its senior scientific leadership team is a key milestone in implementing the Turing’s new strategy which shapes how the Institute will use data science and AI for social good.

The Turing’s work is centred around three grand challenges focusing on environment and sustainability, health, and defenceand national security, backed by a continued commitment to fundamental AI and data science research.

The challenge-led approach will also see the Turing carry out a programme of activity to ensure the UK has a fair and equitable digtal society where data science and AI improves productivity and economic growth.

Professor Watson will lead the Defence and National Security Grand Challenge which aims to ensure data science and AI plays a part in protecting the UK and our allies from security threats. Professor Watson joined the Turing in January 2022 to take up the role of Programme Director of Defence and Security.

He commented on the appointment: “I am delighted and honoured to be taking on the role of Science and Innovation Director (Defence & National Security) at The Alan Turing Institute. The protection of people here in the UK and around the world, and of the places they inhabit, is vitally important work. I am greatly looking forward to working with the other science and innovation directors, with the teams across Turing and with our partners to help make the world safer through the application of AI and data science.”

Professor Dan Parsons, Loughborough University Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation said: “I am delighted that Loughborough University is playing a leading role in the Alan Turing Institute. The University shares Turing’s mission to harness the potential of AI to change our world for the better. I am pleased that through Professor Watson’s leadership we will play a significant role in helping ensure that society benefits from the positive impact of AI and data science while minimising the risks that emerging technologies can pose.”

Later this year, Professor Watson and the other three directors will announce the priorities for their respective areas of challenge-led science and innovation. They will deliver these priorities alongside a range of key national and international partners.

Full details of the four new science and innovation directors at The Alan Turing Institute are available on the Institute’s website.