Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt appointed Chair of AI@Oxford Research

This appointment will highlight Oxford’s intent to cement its position as a global leader in AI research and innovation, uniting expertise from across its four academic divisions and the Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM). The initiative, jointly funded by the divisions and supported by the John Fell Fund, will enhance coordination, visibility and impact of AI research across the University, while fostering new collaborations and investment opportunities.

The new AI@Oxford Research initiative will:

• Map and coordinate the full spectrum of AI research across divisions;
• Showcase and promote Oxford’s expertise to external partners, and policymakers;
• Develop large-scale research proposals to attract transformational investment; and
• Support a shared online presence that highlights Oxford’s AI community, people and impact.

"AI will transform aspects of modern life, from healthcare to education and culture, bringing both challenges and opportunities. Oxford’s breadth across disciplines gives us the opportunity - and the responsibility - to be a leader in exploring and balancing the innovation, ethical and other impacts of AI. Nigel’s appointment will help us harness that potential and demonstrate Oxford’s leadership in this fast-moving field."

Professor Patrick Grant, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research

Professor Shadbolt, one of the UK’s foremost AI experts, co-founded the Open Data Institute with Sir Tim Berners-Lee and has long been a leading advocate for trustworthy, transparent technology. In his new role, he will oversee the creation of a new website showcasing Oxford’s AI research, act as a focal point for major external partnerships, and help to develop transformational bids to enable future investment in people, infrastructure and innovation.

"Sometimes it feels like Oxford University’s best kept secret is that we are the leading academic institution in the world, across the entire breadth of AI from its foundations, to its application, its economics, its ethics and on through safety", said Professor Jim Naismith, Head of the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division. "Nigel is a visionary leader who combines deep expertise with a clear understanding of how to connect people and ideas. He is going to ensure our profile matches our accomplishments, help us pull together across the collegiate university, and act as an ambassador for AI at Oxford".

The appointment builds on the University’s growing momentum in AI implementation and education, led by Professor Anne Trefethen, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Digital), Department of Engineering Science. Professor Trefethen has championed making AI tools and training accessible to all Oxford staff and students with support from the University’s AI Competency Centre and in-house specialists across the University, and through strategic partnerships with leading AI companies.

"We want everyone at Oxford - from researchers to professional staff - to have the skills and confidence to use AI tools effectively. By coupling implementation with research leadership, Oxford is creating a truly joined-up approach that supports innovation and ensures we are leading this transformation responsibly and inclusively."

Professor Anne Trefethen, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Digital)

More about AI at Oxford