Research
Search and filter

The fundamental goal behind all our research is to build a data and AI enriched world for the benefit of all

Learn more
Search and filter
Menu

We are doing this through basic research into theoretical scientific problems, and through applying our cutting-edge science to real-world problems, and with recognition of the important legal, ethical and societal implications of these technologies.

We channel our research around a number of ambitious challenges which represent areas in which AI and data science can have a game-changing impact for science, society, and the economy. These challenges will not be led by the Turing alone, but depend on significant collaboration and partnerships.

Research areas

The Institute's research spans a huge range of disciplines and expertise. See the (still expanding) list of research areas and explore snapshots of projects, people, events and more.

View all

Our grand challenges

A grand challenge-led approach for Turing’s science and innovation agenda provides the common focus, clear direction and a mandate to prioritise activity, as well as the inspiration and motivation for diverse communities and capabilities to come together in support of these organising principles. In alignment with national priority areas, we have selected the following areas of focus for grand challenges:

Supporting digital society and policy

The ‘digital society’ could help to address systemic productivity issues. It could also lead to the provision of more inclusive, fair and robust services. Using our unique position and established expertise, we can tap into the enormous potential for data science and AI to drive a new generation of public services which are efficient, smart and responsive to both complexity and uncertainty. Similarly, advances could improve resilience and economic security through real-time monitoring of the economy, its financial systems, and supply chains.   

The Turing will draw and expand on its established capability and partnerships in public policy and data-driven economics to drive this work forward.  We will focus on the impact of digitisation on business, finance, the measurement of the economy and cross-cutting issues of standards, regulation, ethics and policy. 

Our core capabilities

To drive advances in the Grand challenge areas, multi-faceted core capabilities are required to provide the underpinning infrastructure, this will involve: 

Core capabilities

Foundational capability in data science and AI

Building our foundational capability in data science and AI in support of the above Grand Challenges.

Core capabilities

Open-source infrastructure

Expanding our work in the development and provision of open-source infrastructure that is accessible to all.

Core capabilities

Research software engineering capability

Growing our core research software engineering capability to continue to contribute skills in research software engineering and data science in support of national priorities.

Core capabilities

Research Application Managers and Community Managers

Expanding our capability through Research Application Managers and Community Managers to support translation of our communities’ science and innovation activity.

Current programmes

Significant programmes of strategic research, typically led by a Programme Director or Directors and with involvement from industry, public sector or third sector partners.

No matching items found with the filter criteria.

Strategic Priorities Fund

The Alan Turing Institute will spearhead new cutting-edge data science and artificial intelligence research thanks to a £48 million government funding boost. The funding is part of the government’s Strategic Priorities Fund; a programme of research spending co-ordinated in partnership with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

The Turing is leading two flagship areas of research: the first to undertake and apply artificial intelligence research with the goal to transform four key areas of science, industry and government, and the second a pioneering collaboration with the arts and humanities community using data science and artificial intelligence to analyse the human impact of the industrial revolution.

The work involves researchers from the Turing’s university network, as well from other universities across the UK, and collaboration with numerous government departments. The research cuts across numerous disciplines, developing data science and AI solutions and tools that address important challenges to the UK economy and society. These outputs will also have significant impact for both theoretical and applied scholarship in AI and data science.

UKRI and ARHC combined logos

Current projects

Focused scientific study, led by Turing researchers, working with other academics and often industry collaborators, towards defined objectives. Turing research projects aim to be multidisciplinary and multi-institutional, delivering both scientific and real-world impact. 

View all Search and filter

Interest groups

Institute researchers have set up interest groups to drive collaboration in shared topics in data science. Contact group organisers to get involved or find out more.

View all Search and filter

Publications & policy submissions

Explore our latest research publications, software, and policy submissions in response to government and parliamentary calls for evidence

See all publications

Theory and Method Challenge Fortnights

Intensive two-week events where a team of experts initiate work on tackling foundational challenges in data science and artificial intelligence

Find out more

Data ethics

Find out about the data ethics initiatives taking place at the Turing.

Learn more