The University of Liverpool and Imperial College London are set to co-lead the development of an AI for Chemistry Hub, to be known as AlChemy. Insider Media reports that the £12m research hub will develop state of the art Artificial Intelligence (AI) for chemistry, with the aim of accelerating its adoption.
AlChemy will make use of the existing world-class facilities in Liverpool for science and technology research and development, combining them with those available in London.
A further nine hubs are set to be created throughout the UK, making use of a combined investment from the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and consortium partners.
AI in the scientific field involves using tools such as robotics, automation, and machine learning to make research and development processes faster and more efficient. However, at present they are still considered something of a niche area despite having huge potential benefits.
For example, AI could help scientists to more accurately and swiftly address urgent global issues such as climate change and health emergencies. The new AI hub aims to pool expertise and promote discussion, collaboration, and training opportunities.
Professor Andy Cooper, from the University of Liverpool’s Department of Chemistry and Materials Innovation Factory (MIF), said: “This is the UK’s first academic-industrial institute of its kind dedicated to supporting collaboration between chemistry and AI researchers.”
“There is huge scope for chemistry researchers to work more effectively with AI researchers, and this new hub will bring together two separate disciplines to build a new cohesive UK research community.”
Professor Kim Jelfs, from the Department of Chemistry and the Institute for Digital Molecular Design and Fabrication (DigiFAB), at Imperial College London added: “AI has the potential to transform chemistry and this new cross-disciplinary research hub aims to ensure that the UK is at the forefront of the AI chemistry revolution.”
The nine AI hubs set to be established around the UK will be funded through an investment of £80m by EPSRC, part of UK Research and Innovation.
Minister for AI Viscount Camrose said: “The investment we’re pouring into these new projects is only possible as a result of our pro-innovation approach to AI. The AI Regulation White Paper consultation response we’ve set out today will see us forging ahead with that plan, driving forward the next wave of brilliant AI innovations.
“These hubs will nurture new, cutting-edge breakthroughs, from healthcare treatments and more power efficient electronics to machine learning and chemical discovery.”
Liverpool has a thriving Knowledge Quarter (KQ) that generates an annual income of around £1bn for the city and supports 14,000 full time jobs. It encompasses the University Enterprise Zone and Liverpool Science Park among many other developments.
The KQ was established to bring together the dynamic scientific community, technology and cultural sectors in the city, and to help create greater opportunities and economic parity with the south east. Liverpool already has world-class expertise and facilities in cognitive science and computing and materials chemistry.
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