Potential redundancies announced at Alan Turing Institute

AI hub is reviewing portfolio of projects due to funding

The Alan Turing Institute, the UK’s national hub for artificial intelligence (AI) and data science, has begun a consultation process that could lead to potential redundancies among its workforce of 440.

As reported by The Guardian, i n a memo sent to staff earlier this month, the institute outlined changes to its strategic focus, which will see a reduction in the number of active projects. The communication, addressed to employees potentially affected, warned that redundancies might be considered. Estimates from staff suggest that up to 140 employees could be impacted.

The institute, which partners with universities, private companies, and government agencies on research initiatives, currently has 111 ongoing projects. However, the memo emphasised that the organisation would need to scale back, stating the need to “move away from engaging in a large number of individual projects.”

Less core funding than anticipated

In 2022, the Alan Turing Institute introduced its “Turing 2.0” strategy, which prioritises health, the environment, and defence and security. Despite this, the institute noted that it now faces “less core funding than anticipated when the strategy was initially developed.”

To align with its new strategic direction, the institute is reviewing its portfolio of projects to determine which ones fit with the Turing 2.0 objectives. Some may be spun out or shut down, potentially leading to job losses.

The memo expressed a desire to minimise compulsory redundancies, with plans for staff elections to appoint representatives to participate in the consultation process. The review is expected to conclude by February next year.

Dr. Jean Innes, the institute’s chief executive, stated, “The Turing’s mission is to drive forward the use of data science and AI to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in society. This new phase reflects our ambition to further that goal.”

Founded in 2015, the Alan Turing Institute was established as a national centre for data science, expanding its remit in 2017 to include AI. Its objectives are to conduct world-class research and apply it to major national and international challenges, while also facilitating public discussions around AI’s role in society.