University cuts ribbon on data science and AI centre
The University of Hull has opened a £4.5m Centre of Excellence for Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Modelling (DAIM).
Professor Dave Petley, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hull, said: “The power of AI and data science is already evident and is rapidly changing the world we knew. This can be seen in numerous aspects of our daily lives and in society as a whole.
“The launch of the new centre is indicative of the university’s intent to provide an expeditious response to these changes and to the needs of society.
“Reacting proactively to the increasing need for qualified practitioners by delivering a step-change in the provision of educational excellence in data science and AI is at the heart of this new building – and we will continue to invest in learning and teaching as well as research in this important field as it continues to evolve. We will be teaching the graduates who will be at the forefront of data science.”
The new facility houses the largest computational teaching space on campus. Spread over two levels, it has over 250 computer seats for students to learn, practice, and apply their coding, programming, AI, and data science expertise.
Dr Kevin Pimbblet, director of the new centre, said: “The past 12 months has shown how quickly the field of Artificial Intelligence can develop. With some jobs and careers now in danger of being replaced with this technology, let alone the ethical use of it, one thing is for certain: it is more important than ever that the nation has appropriately skilled graduates to be able to understand and navigate the full breadth of the technology underpinning the next industrial revolution.”
Crucially, through knowledge exchange, DAIM’s ambitions encompass the provision of exemplary service within the University, and beyond to the public sector, that will enhance mutual goals and tackle complex industry issues.
Earlier this year, the University of Hull announced that it had been awarded £690,000 to help those underrepresented in the field of AI and data science gain the skills to move into the industry.
The funding, from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and Office for Artificial Intelligence (OAI) was awarded by the Office for Students (OfS) to universities to deliver the AI and data science scholarships.
The University was among 30 to be awarded a share of £8.1m, with scholarships being offered to home students who meet certain criteria.
Successful applicants will receive £10,000 towards their MSc.
Dr Pimbblet said: “This was fantastic news for the University as it aligns with the University’s social justice strategy of supporting disadvantaged and underrepresented students. The award demonstrates the reputation of our Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science course.”
British Olympic Association CEO Andy Anson and Bradly Sinden, Team GB’s Taekwondo Silver medallist from Tokyo 2020, joined the opening celebrations.
The university is the first and only University to be an Official Partner of Team GB. The exclusive partnership covers a six-year period and includes the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games and the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games. Team GB triple Olympic Champion Max Whitlock OBE is an ambassador for the university.
