From Left to Right: Jun Liu, Karen Delgado, Chris Nugent, Thomas Gray & Ruth McGuinness

Ulster University are hoping to enhance the reputation of Northern Ireland’s artificial intelligence expertise with the establishment of a new research centre with the backing of one of the province’s largest IT companies.

London-listed Kainos is backing the launch of the Artificial Intelligence Research Centre at the university which will be a hub for the development of artificial intelligence tools which can deliver practical solutions for the private and public sector.

It will also help to underpin teaching at Ulster University and will work closely with companies from across the world. Ruth McGuiness, Data and AI Practice Lead at Kainos, said AI is a central plank of the firm’s focus.

She said: “For us, the emphasis is on ethical, trustworthy and responsible AI, in line with Kainos’ ethos of delivering change for good. We’re excited to partner with Ulster University on this project and we look forward to working with local research talent on initiatives to drive innovation.”

The centre will be based at the university’s Belfast campus, one of several specialist research spaces. Professor Chris Nugent, Head of the School of Computing at Ulster University, said the centre has huge potential.

He said: “The work will help to deliver benefits for the economy and society and develop Northern Ireland’s position at the forefront of AI technology.

It’s exciting to extend our partnership with Kainos, which spans research, student placements, graduate opportunities, executive leadership programmes, guest lectures and input into curriculum development.

It’s a partnership that shows just how powerful collaboration between the University and industry can be.”