Oxford University is doubling down on its commitment to artificial intelligence, appointing Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt to a pivotal new role leading AI@Oxford Research. This initiative arrives at a critical moment, as AI rapidly transforms industries and society, and aims to unify Oxford’s exceptionally diverse, yet often disparate, expertise in the field. By coordinating research across all four academic divisions—and even the University’s renowned gardens, libraries, and museums—Oxford intends to not only solidify its position as a global AI leader, but also to drive responsible innovation and attract significant investment for groundbreaking work.
Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt Appointed AI@Oxford Research Chair
Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt has been appointed Chair of AI@Oxford Research, a new role designed to unify and amplify Oxford University’s extensive artificial intelligence research. This initiative, jointly funded by academic divisions and the John Fell Fund, aims to map, coordinate, and promote Oxford’s AI expertise across all four academic divisions – Humanities, Medical Sciences, Mathematical, Physical & Life Sciences, and Social Sciences – as well as its Gardens, Libraries, and Museums (GLAM). The goal is to attract significant investment and foster collaborative opportunities.
A key focus of AI@Oxford Research will be showcasing Oxford’s broad AI portfolio, ranging from drug discovery using projects like OpenBind – leveraging AI to design novel molecules – to advanced medical imaging techniques like WOMB2COT, enhancing ultrasound for newborn brain scans. Beyond STEM fields, the initiative will also highlight AI applications in social sciences, including the Oxford AI in Education Hub and the AI for Justice collaboration with the Clooney Foundation, addressing global challenges in learning, governance, and human rights.
Professor Shadbolt, co-founder of the Open Data Institute, brings extensive experience in trustworthy and transparent technology to this position. He will oversee the creation of a central online presence for Oxford AI research, act as a key contact for external partnerships, and lead efforts to secure funding for future innovation. This appointment signals Oxford’s commitment to not only developing cutting-edge AI, but also ensuring its responsible and ethical implementation for societal benefit.
AI Research Across University Divisions
Oxford University is strategically unifying its Artificial Intelligence (AI) research efforts through the new AI@Oxford Research initiative, led by Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt. This cross-divisional program—spanning Humanities, Mathematical/Physical/Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, and Social Sciences—aims to map, coordinate, and amplify existing AI expertise. Funding from the divisions and the John Fell Fund will facilitate large-scale research proposals and attract investment, establishing Oxford as a global leader—not just in AI creation, but also in its responsible application for societal benefit.
A key focus is interdisciplinary collaboration. Projects like OpenBind, led by Deane & von Delft, utilize AI to accelerate drug discovery by prioritizing novel molecule design. Simultaneously, researchers are pioneering AI-driven computational methods to analyze cancer cellular interactions (Coles, Gaffney, Leedham, Byrne). Ana Namburete’s WOMB2COT project exemplifies this, leveraging AI to enhance ultrasound brain imaging for newborns – bridging prenatal and neonatal care with accessible, high-resolution scans.
Beyond the sciences, Oxford is actively applying AI to address societal challenges. The Oxford AI in Education Hub explores AI’s impact on learning globally, while the Blavatnik School’s AI for Justice collaboration with the Clooney Foundation uses AI to document human rights abuses. This holistic approach—combining technical advancements with ethical considerations via initiatives like the AI Governance Initiative and the Institute for Ethics in AI—demonstrates Oxford’s commitment to responsible AI innovation.
AI-Driven Interdisciplinary Discovery at Oxford
Oxford University has established AI@Oxford Research, spearheaded by Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt, to unify and amplify its extensive artificial intelligence research. This initiative, jointly funded and spanning all four academic divisions plus the GLAM institutions, aims to map, coordinate, and promote Oxford’s AI expertise. A key goal is attracting transformational investment for future innovation, building on existing strengths in areas like trustworthy AI and open data – evidenced by Professor Shadbolt’s co-founding of the Open Data Institute.
Interdisciplinary discovery is a core focus, with AI driving advancements across diverse fields. Projects like OpenBind – utilizing AI to accelerate drug discovery by prioritizing molecular design – and collaborative work exploring cellular interactions in cancer exemplify this approach. Notably, WOMB2COT, awarded an ERC Starting Grant, leverages AI to enhance ultrasound brain imaging for newborns, improving prenatal and neonatal care accessibility. This highlights a commitment to applying AI for tangible human benefit.
Beyond STEM, Oxford’s Social Sciences and Humanities divisions are actively integrating AI. The Oxford AI in Education Hub investigates AI’s potential to enhance learning globally, while a collaboration with the Clooney Foundation uses AI to document human rights abuses. The University also houses the AI Governance Initiative and the Institute for Ethics in AI, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to responsible AI development and implementation – addressing societal impacts alongside technological advancement.
Implementing & Expanding AI Access & Training
Oxford University is strategically expanding AI access and training through a new initiative, AI@Oxford Research, spearheaded by Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt. This aims to map, coordinate, and promote the University’s broad AI research—spanning all four academic divisions and its museums—to attract significant investment. The initiative isn’t simply about research; it’s focused on building a shared online presence and fostering collaborations to amplify Oxford’s AI impact, ensuring its leadership in both AI creation and responsible application.
A key component of expanding access is making AI tools and training available to all Oxford staff and students. Professor Anne Trefethen, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Digital), is leading this effort, supported by the University’s AI Competency Centre and partnerships with leading AI companies. This commitment extends beyond core research, emphasizing the need for widespread AI literacy and capability across the institution—empowering everyone to leverage AI effectively in their roles.
Current projects demonstrate AI’s interdisciplinary impact. From OpenBind—using AI to accelerate drug discovery—to WOMB2COT, enhancing neonatal brain imaging via AI-powered ultrasound, and the Oxford AI in Education Hub, the university is actively applying AI to solve challenges in medicine, education, and global justice. These initiatives showcase a commitment to not just doing AI research, but translating that research into tangible benefits for society.
Oxford’s Focus on Responsible AI Governance & Ethics
Oxford University is solidifying its position as a global leader in artificial intelligence through the newly established AI@Oxford Research initiative. Chaired by Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt, the program aims to map, coordinate, and amplify AI research across all four academic divisions—including the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Medical Sciences—and its Gardens, Libraries, and Museums. Jointly funded and supported by the John Fell Fund, this initiative will foster collaboration, attract investment, and enhance the visibility of Oxford’s AI expertise both nationally and internationally.
A key focus of Oxford’s AI strategy is responsible innovation. Researchers are actively exploring the ethical, societal, and governance implications of AI through centers like the AI Governance Initiative and the Institute for Ethics in AI. Projects range from using AI to document human rights abuses (in collaboration with the Clooney Foundation for Justice) to enhancing neonatal brain imaging (WOMB2COT project, awarded an ERC Starting Grant), demonstrating a commitment to deploying AI for social good and addressing potential risks.
Beyond ethical considerations, Oxford’s AI research is deeply interdisciplinary. Examples include OpenBind—accelerating drug discovery using AI—and work combining imaging, mathematics, and data science to understand cancer cell interactions. This breadth, coupled with efforts to make AI tools accessible to all staff and students through the AI Competency Centre, signifies a holistic approach to AI—one that integrates cutting-edge research with practical implementation and responsible governance.
