Recently, the Alan Turing Institute, the UK's national institute for artificial intelligence and data science, issued a memorandum announcing the launch of a redundancy consultation process, which could affect around 440 employees at the institute. According to this memorandum, the institute plans to focus its efforts on fewer projects, implying that up to 140 people may face redundancy risks.
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This internal document mentions that the institute is currently conducting research on 111 active projects, but they have realized the need to "reduce involvement in a large number of individual projects." Last year, the institute introduced a new strategy called "Turing2.0", deciding to focus on three key areas: health, environment, and defense and security. However, the institute also admitted that the core funding is less than initially envisioned.
To align with this strategy, the institute is reviewing these 111 projects to assess which align with the "Turing2.0" direction. Based on this review, the institute may consider divesting or closing some. This, unfortunately, means that redundancies will need to be made.
Nevertheless, the memorandum states that the institute will strive to find ways to avoid compulsory redundancies and will engage in discussions with representatives to conduct elections. The consultation process with employees is expected to conclude by February next year.
Dr. Jean Innes, CEO of the Alan Turing Institute, told The Guardian that the institute's goal is to advance data science and artificial intelligence to address some significant issues with profound societal impacts. Established in 2015, initially focusing on data science, the institute expanded into artificial intelligence in 2017, aiming to drive world-class research and apply it to national and global challenges, while promoting informed public dialogue about AI.
Currently, the news about redundancies comes at a time when the UK government is preparing to issue two important statements about technology. One is the "AI Action Plan" led by tech entrepreneur Matt Clifford, aiming to explore how AI can promote economic growth and improve public services. Meanwhile, the government will also consult on an AI bill, which will focus on making the voluntary AI model testing agreements between the UK government and tech companies legally binding, and plans to establish the UK National Institute for AI Safety as an independent government agency.
Key Points:
🌐 The institute has initiated a redundancy consultation process, potentially affecting around 140 employees.
🔍 The new strategy "Turing2.0" will focus on health, environment, and defense and security.
📅 The consultation process is expected to conclude by February next year, with the institute striving to avoid compulsory redundancies.