UK’s leading AI research institute told to make ‘significant’ changes | Technology
UK’s leading AI research institute told to make ‘significant’ changes | Technology
Publish Date: 2026-04-03 18:05:00
Source Domain: www.theguardian.com
The UK’s leading AI research institute has been told to make “significant” changes by its main source of taxpayer funding.
The Guardian revealed last week that the board of the Alan Turing Institute was reminded of its legal duties by the charity watchdog after a whistleblower complaint.
The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) body, which awarded the ATI a five-year, £100m funding package in 2024 and is its largest single source of funds, said it had conducted a review of the institute and found it underperforming in terms of strategy and delivering value for money.
“The review concluded that overall strategic alignment and value for money are not yet satisfactory,” the UKRI said.
Last summer, the government made clear that it expected a strategic overhaul at the nominally independent organisation and indicated the need for management changes, adding that its funding could be reviewed. Its warning has been followed by changes at the top of the organisation.
The ATI’s chief executive, Jean Innes, stepped down in September after a staff revolt added to the pressure, while its chair, Doug Gurr, resigned this week after being appointed permanent chair of the UK’s competition watchdog.
Prof Charlotte Deane, who oversees the UKRI’s AI programme, said achieving the UK’s AI ambitions required institutions “that are focused, effective and aligned to national need”.
Announcing the outcome of the review, she added: “This review recognises the value and potential of the Alan Turing Institute, but also makes clear that significant change is needed in some areas.”
The review said the ATI had “strong foundations and clear evidence of scientific excellence” but needed a clear strategic focus and improved delivery.
The government made clear last year that it wanted the ATI to focus on defence and national security, downgrading its work on health and the environment, which had been two of three core subjects for the institute.
Deane said the UKRI would now work…
