Cambridge Centre for Data science and AI
The Alan Turing Institute is the UK’s national institute for data science and artificial intelligence.
The Institute is named in honour of Alan Turing, whose pioneering work in theoretical and applied mathematics, engineering and computing is considered to have laid the foundations for modern-day data science and artificial intelligence.
Five founding universities – Cambridge, Edinburgh, Oxford, UCL and Warwick – and the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council created The Alan Turing Institute in 2015.
More details can be found on the Institute’s website.
Turing University Network
In 2023 the Institute launched an open university network, for all UK universities to engage and collaborate with the Institute and its broader networks. The University of Cambridge is a member of the Turing University Network.
Further information can be found at Turing University Network | The Alan Turing Institute.
Institute Strategy
The Alan Turing Institute’s mission is: ‘To make great leaps in the development and use of data science and artificial intelligence (AI) in order to change the world for the better.’
A new strategy encompassing the Institute’s ambitions and vision for its next phase as, Turing 2.0, was launched in 2023. Its three main goals are to:
- Advance world-class research and apply it to national and global challenges
- Build skills for the future
- Drive an informed public conversation
The Turing’s science and innovation agenda is led by three grand-challenges:
- Defence and national security
- Environment and sustainability
- Transformation of healthcare
Further details can be found at: Our strategy | The Alan Turing Institute.
C2D3 and Turing
C2D3 provides support to the University of Cambridge's relationship with the Turing. Relevant Turing opportunities and events are published on our Opportunities and Events pages, and promoted to our community via our communications channels as appropriate.
The Turing Liaison supports the University of Cambridge’s partnership with the Turing, and can be reached at TuringULM@cam.ac.uk.
Turing Fellows and Researchers at Cambridge
Over 400 researchers collaborate at the Turing. Twenty-five Cambridge academics across disciplines are Turing Fellows.
Four Cambridge academics hold prestigious and highly competitive Turing AI Fellowships:
- Professor Zoubin Ghahramani (Engineering) is a Turing AI World-Leading Researcher Fellow
- Professor Jose Miguel Hernandez Lobato (Engineering) and Dr Adrian Weller (Engineering) are Turing AI Acceleration Fellows
- Professor Neil Lawrence (Computer Science and Technology) is a Senior Turing AI Fellow
University of Cambridge researchers linked to the Turing can be found at People | The Alan Turing Institute.
Professor Jon Crowcroft, Marconi Professor of Communications Systems in Computer Science and Technology, is the Turing’s Researcher at Large.
Professor Mark Girolami, Sir Kirby Laing Professor of Civil Engineering, was appointed as the first Chief Scientist of the Alan Turing Institute in September 2021.
Opportunities for PhD Students
Turing Enrichment Scheme
The Turing Enrichment Scheme offers students currently enrolled on a doctoral programme at a UK university the opportunity to enrich their doctoral studies by building connections with The Alan Turing Institute and engaging with its diverse community of researchers. Students continue their doctorate with their current supervisor at their home university, while gaining the opportunity to learn new methodologies, build new collaborations and develop research independence.
Seven Cambridge students are participating in the Enrichment Scheme in 2023-24. This programme is typically open for applications between November and January, for placements that begin the following October or January. Find out more at: Enrichment Scheme | The Alan Turing Institute.
Turing Internships Network
The Turing Internship Network is a national engagement scheme between the Turing’s business partners and doctoral students across the UK and Ireland who are studying any topic with a data science and/or AI focus. The Turing pairs projects put forward by industry with talented doctoral students. The business partners host, supervise, and provide a salary for the successful interns. Find out more at: Turing Internship Network | The Alan Turing Institute.
Other Opportunities
Open Turing funding calls can be found at: Research and funding calls | The Alan Turing Institute.
There are many ways to engage with the Turing as a researcher, regardless of career level. Learn more at: Engage with the Turing as a researcher | The Alan Turing Institute.
Turing Events
Relevant Turing events are published on our Events page. For a more comprehensive list of all forthcoming Turing lectures, seminars, conferences and more, please visit: Events | The Alan Turing Institute.
