By working together with industry on issues such as how best to use AI and machine learning, we can not only help solve complex issues for industry, but continue to support world-leading research and train the next generation of leaders in the field
- Andy Neely
As part of the Microsoft Research - Cambridge University Machine Learning Initiative, Microsoft will help increase AI and machine learning research capacity and capability at Cambridge by supporting visiting researchers, postdoctoral researchers, PhD students and interns from the UK, EU and beyond.
The new Initiative builds on more than two decades of collaboration between the University and Microsoft Research Cambridge, and will be based in the University’s Department of Engineering. It was due to be formally announced yesterday (Weds) at the Microsoft Future Decoded Conference in London.
AI and machine learning have the potential to revolutionise how we interact with the world, but before these technologies can be widespread and used in industries such as healthcare, education and transportation, there are complex problems that need to be solved.
A shortage of skills in AI and machine-learning, particularly at PhD level and above, has led to many large tech companies recruiting from academia, leaving behind a shortage in research and teaching capacity at universities.
“By focusing on a two-way collaborative initiative for long-term growth, not short-term gain, we are taking a different approach to this problem. We are working with universities to build up AI and machine learning talent and research in the UK,” said Chris Bishop, Lab Director, Microsoft Research Cambridge. “Our researchers regularly work together on projects with global impact, and this initiative will help to build on the already strong links between the University of Cambridge and Microsoft.”
“Cambridge has a culture of ideas going back and forth between industry and academia, and this agreement with Microsoft is a prime example,” said Professor Andy Neely, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise and Business Relations at Cambridge. “By working together with industry on issues such as how best to use AI and machine learning, we can not only help solve complex issues for industry, but continue to support world-leading research and train the next generation of leaders in the field.”
Image: Artificial intelligence
Credit: Geralt
Reproduced courtesy of the University of Cambridge