AI for good - Calls for Liverpool to become 'AI Growth Zone'
A Liverpool professor has welcomed the Government’s ‘AI Opportunities Action Plan’ announced this week (13th Jan) and calls for the Liverpool City Region to be considered for an AI Growth Zone to power its AI for good ambitions. The city has world class skills in Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and quantum computing, is investing in green energy with frontier projects like Mersey Tidal Power and is a centre for healthcare innovation.
Professor Carsten P Welsch is the Director of the Liverpool Centre for Doctoral Training for Innovation in Data Intensive Science (LIV.INNO). The centre is building cutting-edge skills in AI and working with firms in the region to build their capacity in AI. He says the government's AI Opportunities Action Plan, which outlines its aim to make the UK a leader in AI, represents a transformative moment.
He says: “Liverpool led the first industrial revolution and would be an inspired choice for an AI Growth Zone."
“We already have deep academic expertise in AI, and strong international connections. By establishing an AI Growth Zone and significantly expanding computing capacity, this initiative has potential to attract businesses and create high-quality jobs in our area."
At a recent AI Summit in the city, Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region (LCR), outlined his ambition to harness the power of AI for good. Also speaking at the event was Dr Nicola Hodson, CEO of IBM UK and Ireland, who was brought up in the region and studied at University of Liverpool.
With its specialisms in accelerator science, the creative industries, infection medicine, novel materials, and advanced manufacturing, LCR offers potential for a dynamic innovation ecosystem aimed at solving societal challenges.
The ‘AI Opportunities Action Plan’, developed by entrepreneur Matt Clifford CBE, calls for the development of a flagship AI scholarship programme, which could also be supported in Liverpool.
LIV.INNO has a pioneering research training network, developed together with industry, that could provide insights for such a programme.
LIV.INNO attracts PhD students to work on research projects in particle and accelerator science, in addition to being seconded to industry. This means students have skills in leading-edge science but also practical experience of applying these approaches in the real world. Recent projects have included:
- Development of a mobile 3D x-ray scanner for rapid diagnosis of fractures
- Improving simulations and their application to enable more effective response to real-world challenges such as the Covid pandemic
- Improving worker safety on railways using historical data to help the network meet productivity targets safely
- Improving the support given to young people for mental health and wellbeing –analysis of how the digital tools were being used by young people, and training therapists to become more effective.
Professor Welsch says: “British scientist Tim Berners-Lee developed his ideas for the World Wide Web while working at CERN. Our students are building on this legacy, pushing the boundaries of AI."
“At LIV.INNO, we are excited to collaborate with industry and government to harness AI's potential, driving innovation and economic growth that will benefit society at large.”