Surrey Institute for People-Centred Artificial Intelligence (PAI)

Putting people at the heart of AI

The University of Surrey holds a prestigious global standing in AI and Computer Vision. It has ranked 1st in the UK continously for computer vision, derived from the pioneering research at The Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI (PAI) and Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing (CVSSP), based on metrics from elite peer-reviewed output: CSRankings.org.

Our pan-University Institute brings together Surrey's core AI-related expertise. These include vision, speech and signal processing, computer science and mathematics. Our domain expertise encompasses engineering and physical sciences, human and animal health, law and regulation, business, finance and the social sciences.

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Welcome to PAI

PAI is a new approach that puts people at the heart of AI, augmenting human capabilities to deliver an inclusive and responsible force for good.

In contrast to other national AI initiatives, the Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI brings together practitioner domain knowledge with AI expertise. Our Institute expeditiously addresses the national importance of AI for the benefit of society and the economy as recognised in the Government's new AI strategy ‘new ten-year plan to make the UK a global AI superpower’ launched in September 2021.

Our vision also addresses the government’s industrial strategy ‘AI and the Data Economy’ for critical sectors of the UK economy such as creative industries, health care and security.

Our launch in November 2021 was marked by a Royal reception, emphasising the ground-breaking nature of our pan-University Institute. The reception was hosted by the Chancellor of the University of Surrey, His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent, by kind permission of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The drinks reception for distinguished friends of the University took place at St James’s Palace.

PAI works in partnership with industry, the public sector, government and national AI organisations to deliver a step-change in AI research, training and innovation to deliver the knowledge and skills required to ensure UK leadership of an inclusive and responsible AI-driven economy.

Join us in this new chapter for Artificial Intelligence - putting people at the heart of AI: pai@surrey.ac.uk.

To me it’s not about machines taking over. Rather than taking jobs away, AI will be the driver for upskilling the labour force, automating tedious tasks and freeing people to use their skills in a more creative way. At its best, AI will be about enriching lives and helping to create a safer, fairer society. The Institute for People-Centred AI will lead research, training and innovation to ensure that future AI enabled solutions are of benefit to all. Professor Adrian Hilton, Director of Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI

UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in AI for Digital Media Inclusion

A transformative AI training programme designed with inclusion for all at its heart.

The recruitment period for 2027 will open soon. Stay tuned - don’t miss your chance!

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Putting people at the heart of AI

Our Institute is truly cross-disciplinary. It draws on AI and domain expertise across all the University of Surrey's faculties. It encourages the creation and sharing of innovative ideas and approaches, fostering new research directions and collaborations.

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AI research

Our research agenda will centre on the people and societal AI ‘grand challenges’ identified by UKRI, AI Council, Society 5.0 and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Cross-cutting AI grand challenges for people and society will link Surrey areas of excellence in AI and domain expertise focused on five key areas.

Research centres and groups

Building on over 30 years of world-leading research in fundamental AI, the University of Surrey is bringing together experts from a wide range of disciplines to focus on the challenges and benefits that AI can bring to people and society. We will be the first university in the UK to take this approach, creating an institute that puts people at the heart of AI.