Review to help shape next phase of The Alan Turing Institute

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has conducted an independent midterm review of The Alan Turing Institute.

It assessed whether it is delivering the focus, performance and strategic contribution expected of a national institute in artificial intelligence (AI) and data science.

The review recognises the important work of the Turing and the strength of its people and partnerships.

It also acknowledges the value that a strong national institute can provide within the UK's research and innovation system.

The UK is at an important moment for AI.

UKRI's AI Research and Innovation Strategic Framework sets out an ambitious vision for how research and innovation can help the UK seize the opportunities this technology presents.

Realising the opportunities of this technology will require bold investment in new capability.

It will also need a clear focus on ensuring that existing institutions are fully aligned to national need and delivering maximum benefit for the UK.

Review recommendations

The review found that the Turing has strong foundations and clear evidence of scientific excellence, but that it must articulate a clear strategic purpose and strengthen delivery.

It must also ensure its work is brought to bear more effectively in the national interest.

The review concluded that overall strategic alignment and value for money are not yet satisfactory.

The panel made the following key recommendations:

• having a clear, single purpose mission with national resilience, security and defence at its core
• strengthened, transparent prioritisation and governance
• reinstating external scientific advice and scrutiny
• strengthened engagement with key stakeholders, including representation on the board
• a value for money framework agreed with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

UKRI taking forward recommendations

UKRI will collaborate closely with the Turing, its leadership and its partners to implement the review's recommendations.

The aim is to strengthen accountability, improve delivery and ensure the Turing is best placed to serve the UK's critical AI needs in national resilience, security and defence.

Working with the incoming CEO, UKRI will support the Turing in developing a plan and critical success factors by September 2026, which will then be independently assessed.

Realising opportunity

Professor Charlotte Deane, UKRI AI Senior Responsible Owner said:

Artificial intelligence presents a major opportunity for the UK. Realising that opportunity depends on institutions that are focused, effective and aligned to national need.

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. We will now work with the Turing, its new incoming CEO and its partners to take forward the review's recommendations and strengthen delivery against the UK's priorities.

Top image: Credit: Ali Kahfi, via DigitalVision Vectors, Getty Images