Tag: Department for Science Innovation and Technology

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 17 December 2024.

New records reveal how algorithmic tools are being used in public services to enhance citizen support, enable quick and accurate decision-making, and drive technological improvements in critical government services.

New records show the inner workings of algorithmic tools being used to help public services to support citizens, make quick and accurate decisions, and drive forward the use of technology to improve vital government services and cut backlogs.

The Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (ATRS) records published today (17th December), demonstrate how, for example how:

• the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is using AI to more quickly provide Britons with information when they need help abroad
• the Ministry of Justice is using algorithms to help researchers better understand how people interact with the justice system
• other departments are using AI to improve job adverts

It comes as the Science Secretary’s department continues to shape the new ‘digital centre’ of government to boost technology adoption across the public sector and improve public services, supporting all the government’s 5 missions and boosting public service reform under the Plan for Change.

Last week, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, set out that the benefits of technology like AI must be felt in the public services as well as in the private sector, and the power of tech should be used to modernise government.

Science Secretary Peter Kyle said:

Technology has huge potential to transform public services for the better, we will put it to use to cut backlogs, save money and improve outcomes for citizens across the country.

Transparency in how and why the public sector is using algorithmic tools is crucial to ensure that they are trusted and effective. That is why we will continue to take bold steps like releasing these records to make sure everyone is clear on how we are applying and trialing technology as we use it to bring public services back from the brink.

Among the records published today, the Department for Business and Trade has revealed that it is using an algorithmic tool to predict which companies export goods to other countries, in turn driving economic growth and supporting the government’s Plan for Change.

Officials in the department are then able to make more targeted decisions about which companies they reach out and offer help to, so high potential exporting businesses can reach more international customers quickly.

Before the tool was put in place, officials had to use more manual methods to sift through data on the over 5 million companies registered on Companies House to target support – slowing down help the government could offer, and missing opportunities to support high-growth businesses.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

Our Plan for Change will deliver economic growth, and for that to succeed we need to support companies across the UK to realise their full potential when it comes to exporting around the globe.

Our use of AI plays a vital and growing role in that mission, allowing high-growth businesses to maximise the export opportunities available to them, while ensuring that we are using taxpayers’ money responsibly and efficiently in delivering economic stability.

New today, the government is also setting clear terms for the tools algorithmic transparency records will cover, so people know how the government is making use of AI. This confirms that central government organisations will publish a record for any algorithmic tool that interacts directly with citizens or significantly influences decisions made about people, unless a narrow set of exemptions apply such as national security. It also confirms that records will be published for tools once they are being piloted publicly or are live and running.

The records set out how reliable data is used to train AI models, what underlying technology is used in each case, and how any risks are managed effectively. In every case where civil servants use algorithmic tools to make quicker decisions, the records also show how trained staff remain behind the ultimate decision-making process.

Notes to editors

The full list of ATRS records for tools released today is as follows:

• Home Office – Complexity Application Routing Solution – Visits (CARS(V))
• DBT – Find Exporters
• FCDO – Consular Digital Triage – Written Enquiries LLM
• HMT – Correspondence Triage Automation Tool
• HMT – HMT Modelling Policy Engine
• DSIT – Ask Ops Chatbot
• DSIT – Succession Select
• MoD – Textio
• MoJ – Data First (Splink)
• NICE – NORMA (NICE-ONS Recommendation Matching Algorithm)
• Oak National Academy – Aila: Oak’s AI lesson assistant
• Cafcass – Genesys Chatbot
• MaPs – Pension Calculator
• Network Rail – Network Rail’s Digital Assistant

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 17 December 2024.

This consultation seeks views on how the government can ensure the UK’s legal framework for AI and copyright supports the UK creative industries and AI sector together.

• new proposals seek to bring legal certainty to creative and AI sectors over how copyright protected materials are used in model training, supporting innovation and boosting the growth of both sectors crucial to our Plan for Change
• a balanced package of proposals aims to give creators greater control over how their material is used by AI developers, and enhance their ability to be paid for its use
• the proposals will also seek greater transparency from AI firms over the data used to train AI models alongside how AI-generated content is labelled
• AI developers would have wide access to material to train world-leading models in the UK, and legal certainty would boost AI adoption across the economy

The UK has today launched a consultation on plans to give certainty to the creative industries and AI developers on how copyright material can be used to train AI models. Supporting the UK Government’s Plan for Change, the move will help drive growth across both sectors by ensuring protection and payment for rights holders and supporting AI developers to innovate responsibly.

Both sectors are central to the Government’s Industrial Strategy, and these proposals aim to forge a new path forward which will allow both to flourish and drive growth. Key areas of the consultation include boosting trust and transparency between the sectors, so right holders have a better understanding of how AI developers are using their material and how it has been obtained.

The consultation also explores how creators can license and be remunerated for the use of their material, and how wide access to high-quality data for AI developers can be strengthened to enable innovation across the UK AI sector.

These proposals will help unlock the full potential of the AI sector and creative industries to drive innovation, investment, and prosperity across the country, driving forward the UK government’s mission to deliver the highest sustained growth in the G7 under its Plan for Change.

Currently, uncertainty about how copyright law applies to AI is holding back both sectors from reaching their full potential. It can make it difficult for creators to control or seek payment for the use of their work, and creates legal risks for AI firms, stifling AI investment, innovation, and adoption. After previous attempts to agree a voluntary AI copyright code of practice proved unsuccessful, this government is determined to take proactive steps with our creative and AI sectors to deliver a workable solution.

To address this, the consultation proposes introducing an exception to copyright law for AI training for commercial purposes while allowing rights holders to reserve their rights, so they can control the use of their content. Together with transparency requirements, this would give them more certainty and control over how their content is used and support them to strike licensing deals. This would also give AI developers greater certainty about what material they can and cannot use and ensure wide access to material in the UK.

Before these measures could come into effect, further work with both sectors would be needed to ensure any standards and requirements for rights reservation and transparency are effective, accessible, and widely adopted. This would allow for smooth application by AI developers and right holders alike, ensuring rights holders of all sizes can reserve their rights and that any future regime delivers our objectives. These measures would be fundamental to the effectiveness of any exception, and we would not introduce an exception without them.

The consultation also proposes new requirements for AI model developers to be more transparent about their model training datasets and how they are obtained. For example, AI developers could be required to provide more information about what content they have used to train their models. This would enable rights holders to understand when and how their content has been used in training AI.

Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Peter Kyle, said:

The UK has an incredibly rich and diverse cultural sector and a ground breaking tech sector which is pushing the boundaries of AI. It’s clear that our current AI and copyright framework does not support either our creative industries or our AI sectors to compete on the global stage.

That is why we are setting out a balanced package of proposals to address uncertainty about how copyright law applies to AI so we can drive continued growth in the AI sector and creative industries, which will help deliver on our mission of the highest sustained growth in the G7 as part of our Plan for Change.

This is all about partnership: balancing strong protections for creators while removing barriers to AI innovation; and working together across government and industry sectors to deliver this.

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, said: 

This government firmly believes that our musicians, writers, artists and other creatives should have the ability to know and control how their content is used by AI firms and be able to seek licensing deals and fair payment. Achieving this, and ensuring legal certainty, will help our creative and AI sectors grow and innovate together in partnership.

We stand steadfast behind our world-class creative and media industries which add so much to our cultural and economic life. We will work with them and the AI sector to develop this clearer copyright system for the digital age and ensure that any system is workable and easy-to-use for businesses of all sizes.

Licensing is essential as a means for creators to secure appropriate payment for their work, and these proposals lay the groundwork for rights holders to strike licensing deals with AI developers when rights have been reserved. For example, a photographer who uploads their work onto their internet blog could reserve their rights, with confidence that their wishes will be respected and generative AI developers will not use their images unless a licence has been agreed. This would support the creative and media industries’ control, and their ability to generate revenue from the use of their material and provide AI developers with certainty about the material they can legally access.

This combined approach is designed to strengthen trust between the two sectors, which are increasingly interlinked, clearing the way for developers to confidently build and deploy the next generation of AI applications in the UK, in a way that ensures human creators and rights holders have a shared stake in AI’s transformative potential.

The government welcomes licensing deals that have already been agreed, including by major firms in the music and news publishing sectors. But it is clear that many more creatives and right holders have not been able to do so under the current copyright regime. The creative industries, and businesses of all sizes, need more help to control their content and strike licensing deals. The government is determined to make it easier for them to do this.

The consultation also recognises issues related to the protection of personality rights in the context of digital replicas, such as deepfake imitations of individuals, and will seek views on whether the current legal frameworks are sufficiently robust to tackle the issue.

As AI continues to develop at a rapid pace, the UK’s response must evolve alongside it. The government welcomes all stakeholder views on these proposals and is committed to making progress by collaborating with creators, rights holders, and AI developers to co-design the right copyright and AI framework for the UK, which will allow both sectors to thrive.

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 27 November 2024.

New projects are set to test innovative hybrid connectivity solutions in some of the very hardest to reach places in the UK, with up to £3.5 million in government funding.

Despite the significant progress made on superfast and gigabit-capable broadband, certain remote and rural locations across the UK still face challenges where satellites offer the only practical solution for connectivity. These areas, often characterised by difficult terrain and sparse populations, make traditional infrastructure costly and impractical.

The UK Space Agency is working closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the European Space Agency’s (ESA) telecommunications research programme to help close the digital divide.

The new funding call aims to select partners for three projects focused on delivering future satellite services. One of these projects will provide portable gigabit-capable internet speeds, with terminals designed to be mounted on vehicles to improve connectivity for users such as local authorities, farmers, emergency services, and the events and hospitality sector.

In two specific rural and remote islands in Shetland and Northern Ireland, two other projects will test innovative hybrid networks to see if they could be used to support further locations unable to connect to traditional networks.

This improved connectivity will support education, research, tourism, conservation, local businesses, and healthcare, enhancing the economy and quality of life in very hard to reach places.

Telecoms Minister Chris Bryant said:

Digital infrastructure is essential for our modern way of life. But for too long, many businesses and communities have felt left behind.

This is why we must do whatever it takes to ensure we harness technological innovation to enrich people’s lives and tackle exclusion, rather than entrench existing inequalities. These pilots, for instance, will help shape the next generation of connectivity, using a combination of satellite technology and mobile networks to test innovative new services that could be a real game-changer for remote and rural communities.

This work will showcase the potential of integrating different satellite technologies to deliver gigabit-capable speeds at affordable prices. The proposed Nomadic Multi-orbit User Terminal Demonstrator will be portable, able to be mounted on a standard vehicle, and adaptable. It will use the signals from satellites in both Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) to create a robust, flexible and high-speed communication system.

The Rathlin Island Service Demonstrator project aims to boost digital connectivity on Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland, benefiting residents, businesses, and tourists while preserving its cultural and natural heritage. The funding call offers £2 million to improve connectivity, showcasing advanced satellite and wireless technologies for future use.

As Northern Ireland’s northernmost point, Rathlin lies just 7 miles off the mainland, with a small but vibrant community of 141 residents as of the 2021 Census. However, the island’s population swells significantly with approximately 40,000 annual visitors. Tourists are particularly drawn to its wildlife, cultural, and historic attractions.

Rathlin Island’s current network quality is inconsistent, relying on mainland mobile signals and various broadband solutions. A dedicated submarine cable is impractical, so satellite services can step in. The project plans to combine LEO and GEO satellite terminals with wireless/mobile technologies, possibly including 5G/6G, for a comprehensive solution.

Connectivity solutions must be designed to minimise environmental impact, respect cultural heritage, handle seasonal tourist influxes, and coordinate with local authorities to avoid disrupting island life.

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Northern Ireland Office Fleur Anderson said:

It’s fantastic that residents and people visiting Rathlin Island will be able to benefit from enhanced digital connectivity thanks to this funding.

Reliable connectivity is a necessity which can open up opportunities and transform services, and this initiative will have a positive impact on business and the entire community.

Robert Hill, Northern Ireland Space Cluster Manager said:

The commitment from the UK Space Agency and its partners, DSIT and the European Space Agency to improve connectivity of remote areas both locally and in Scotland via satellite communication solutions is to be greatly welcomed. With many people still working from home, the education system increasingly utilising online methods to communicate with and provide learning materials to students, and the farming community embracing technological advances, this move will help to put those living in such areas on a more equal footing with the rest of the population. I look forward to watching these projects move forward and the undoubted benefits they will bring to both individuals and organisations across many sectors.

Michael Cecil, Chair of the Rathlin Development & Community Association said:

We welcome this new initiative from DSIT and the European and UK Space Agencies and the possibilities it can bring for improved broadband and Wi-Fi service on the island.

Rathlin’s East Lighthouse was the location from which Marconi’s team made the first commercial radio broadcast and it is exciting to think this initiative may again put Rathlin at the forefront of piloting developments that can benefit not only the island community but many beyond our shores.

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 14 November 2024.

Simon Thompson has been selected as the new Chair of the Met Office Board and will start his appointment on 1 December 2024.

Simon takes over the position from Rob Woodward CBE who has served two full terms as Chair, having taken up the position in 2018.

As Chair, Simon will work with the Met Office Board and wider executive team in continuing to grow the weather and climate services and global leadership that the Met Office delivers. These services help Government, the public, industry and international partners achieve their goals, enabling people to stay safe and thrive.

Speaking of his appointment, Simon Thompson commented:

“I look forward to working with the Board and the Executive at this exciting time, as the Met Office seeks to realise the full social and economic benefits of the recent investment in a new supercomputer.”

Simon has held a number of senior leadership positions in the finance, natural resources and energy sectors, including serving as chairman of 3i Group and Rio Tinto and as a director of Anglo American. Committed to public good science and sustainability, Simon currently serves as a director of the British Geological Survey and is a Defra-appointed member of the Peak District National Park Authority.

He is also a Senior Advisor to Rothschild & Co. and a member of the Energy Transition Commission. Simon’s academic credentials include a MA in geology from Oxford University, a PhD in history from King’s College London and an Honorary Professorship at the University of Exeter, Faculty of Environment, Science and Economics.

Met Office Chief Executive, Prof Penny Endersby CBE, said:

“I’m delighted to welcome Simon on board with his wealth of experience at a very exciting time for the Met Office, I would like to acknowledge the outstanding job Rob Woodward has done steering us through the last six years.”

Science Minister, Lord Vallance, said:

“My congratulations to Simon Thompson on his appointment as Chair of the Met Office Board and I welcome the extensive leadership experience and commitment to applying scientific knowledge that he will bring to the role.

“The Met Office plays an important part in our daily lives and our safety through its weather and climate forecasts, for which it is recognised and valued globally.

“It is vital we have a leader in post who can make the most of the valuable insights its talented team can offer to benefit the UK and our planet.”

Simon will officially take over the role on 1 December 2024 but will attend a Met Office board meeting on 29 November as an observer.

The appointment of the Chair of the Met Office Board is made by the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology.

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 14 November 2024.

Roll out of faster and more reliable 4G to reach thousands of businesses and households across rural Wales.

Rural towns and villages across Wales will benefit from faster, more reliable mobile coverage as 7 UK government funded mobile network upgrades are now switched on.

Today (14 November) the UK government is announcing that 7 4G mast upgrades in North, South West and West Wales have gone live, bringing reliable connectivity to thousands of residents, local businesses and community organisations.

Rural communities and businesses can face constant buffering and slow download speeds when performing basic tasks online due to outdated mobile connectivity networks. This holds back regional economic growth and can widen the digital divide between urban and rural communities.

Upgrades to existing mobile masts announced today will help close this gap in Wales, with parts of Bontddu, Llanelltyd, Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, Penmaenpool, Tabor, Snowdonia National Park and Bontgoch now covered by fast 4G internet. This will connect friends and family, help emergency services to save lives, tackle crime and boost productivity for local businesses – supporting the government’s missions to break down barriers to opportunities and boost economic growth.

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:

From applying for jobs to staying in touch with loved ones, fast and reliable connectivity is an essential part of modern life and should be the digital reality for communities from Llandudno to Cardiff, which is why the upgrades announced today are a welcome step forward.

But we cannot ignore the fact that millions of people need support when it comes to navigating the online world. That’s why this government is committed to boosting digital skills no matter people live, to support people accessing essential services like banking, or education tools, helping them to get on with their lives and work.

The rollout comes as Technology Secretary Peter Kyle and Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant visit Ebbw Vale in South Wales today to discuss how the UK government can work with charities and businesses to tackle digital exclusion, ensuring more rural communities can access the benefits of being online.

The Secretary of State and Minister will visit BGfm – a local radio station and digital inclusion hub in Blaenau Gwent, supported by digital inclusion charity the Good Things Foundation – to hear additional ways the UK government help tackle the digital divide and support more members of the public to get online.

Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:

We are working tirelessly to address the connectivity concerns of rural communities to make sure everyone has access to the opportunities of the online world.

These upgrades mean businesses aren’t constrained by the limits of their mobile signal, 999 services are better equipped to save lives and fight crime, and residents and tourists can get online whilst enjoying the Welsh countryside.

By focussing on bringing digital connectivity and access to communities in every corner of the UK, we will continue to break down barriers to opportunity and kickstart economic growth.

In 2023 an estimated 1.5 million homes in the UK did not have an internet connection, meaning they couldn’t easily access essential services like paying bills and checking bank statements. Bringing connectivity to rural areas is a crucial step to helping people get online.

The Shared Rural Network (SRN) – a joint programme between the UK government and mobile network operators – aims to tackle the gap with 26 government-funded mast upgrades now activated as part of the initiative. It follows the Chancellor confirming in last month’s Budget that the government will be investing over £500 million next year in driving the rollout of digital infrastructure to under-served parts of the UK.

This latest rollout across Wales marks another step towards improving mobile coverage in rural areas across the UK, essential to achieve the government’s mission to break down the barriers to opportunity. A total of 20 of these upgrades are based in Wales and more are planned in the coming months.

In August the government also signed a landmark agreement with Openreach to make around £170 million government investment available for them to deliver gigabit-capable broadband for around 70,000 Welsh hard-to-reach premises, including some in the most remote parts of the country from the South Wales Valleys to the Llyn Peninsula.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said:

Powered by UK government investment, 7 new sites in Wales now have fast and reliable mobile internet access in areas where many would previously struggle to even send a text message.

Connectivity is critical for everything in day-to-day life in rural Wales – from business to tourism, and particularly to ensure that emergency services can be contacted quickly and efficiently when they are needed.

This is an important step forward in our mission to kickstart the economy and unlock opportunity in rural areas across Wales.

The mobile connectivity boost announced today has been carried out by upgrading existing mobile masts which previously only connected EE customers and anyone making 999 calls, meaning communities can benefit from improved mobile internet access without the impacts of building new masts.

Ben Roome, CEO of Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited said:

With the activation of 7 new Shared Rural Network sites, Wales is seeing significant benefits from the Shared Rural Network programme, bringing enhanced connectivity and opportunities to its rural communities.

Notes to editors

The Shared Rural Network programme is on target to deliver the combined coverage target of 95% of the UK’s landmass by the end of 2025, with 94.9% of the UK now in range of 4G thanks to the programme (Source: Ofcom). Further coverage improvements in more hard-to-reach areas will continue to be delivered until early 2027. For more information visit the Shared Rural Network website.

Through the SRN programme, the UK government and the UK’s 4 mobile network operators aim to provide 4G coverage to an additional 280,000 premises and 16,000km of the UK’s roads. The programme also aims to improve 4G geographic coverage to 79% of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, up from 51% before the programme launched, and 74% of National Parks up from 41%, benefitting millions of visitors to rural areas every year.

The UK government is investing £184 million to upgrade Extended Area Service (EAS) masts to provide coverage from all four mobile operators. Currently, commercial coverage from EAS masts is only available from EE – the operator responsible for the Emergency Services Network.

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 13 November 2024.

Thousands of post-graduate students will be backed by government to study biological, engineering and environmental sciences at 45 universities across the UK.

Thousands of postgraduate students will study cutting-edge science at universities across the UK as part of a £500 million skills drive announced today (Wednesday 13 November) by the Science Secretary Peter Kyle.

This backing of our higher education sector will unearth new discoveries and bring through the expert workforce that can grow our economy and improve lives for years to come.

Support will be targeted to areas of study where universities are particularly strong, with over 4,700 talented students and 45 of our world-class higher education institutions unlocking the next generation of transformative discoveries, from pursuing the next lifesaving drug to investigating the clean energy of the future, and beyond.

The Doctoral Landscape and Doctoral Focal Awards, provided by UKRI and announced on National Engineering Day, will open doors to bright students to study projects in biological, engineering and physical, and natural and environmental sciences. The funding has been made available to universities and prospective students will apply in the coming months ahead of beginning their studies next year.

It supports our world-leading universities by creating opportunities to commercialise discoveries which could in time bring in millions of pounds to institutions, reflecting the key role they play in getting ambitious projects off the ground. These successes also enhance the reputation of our great universities, signalling them as centres of excellence in their subjects, which can attract more of the brightest researchers to study there and funding to support further research in their areas of expertise.

Similar funding packages supported former University of Leicester PhD student, Dr Roland Leigh, to create a tool now available to millions around the world to reduce the harm of air pollution by monitoring its levels. His work as Chief Technical Officer at UK-firm Earthsense continues to tackle its impact – with bases in six continents – as the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK, linked to shorter lifespans and chronic diseases like asthma.

It also led to the foundation of Wild Bio by former University of Oxford student Ross Hendron – a spinout launched with £12 million of seed capital, the largest ever seed fundraise in plant science in Europe. The project is working to make crops such as wheat and maize grow faster by integrating expertise in plant biology with computer algorithms to analyse crop genetics, to tackle the challenges of global food security and climate change.

Science and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, said:

Backing the next generation of great scientific minds to fulfil their potential is crucial to unlocking the discoveries which improve our lives and keep our economy growing over the long term through highly skilled jobs.

This £500 million investment will support our vitally important higher education sector while supporting more bright students to pursue their talents and in turn deliver the life-saving drugs and clean energy alternatives of the future, that benefit all of our lives.

The aim of this funding is to support the next generation of researchers in further groundbreaking work across the breadth of scientific discovery, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in health, physics, engineering and more, and driving the economic growth we need in the UK.

Other past recipients of similar funding packages include Dr Jennifer Olsen, who was named among the Women in Engineering Society’s ‘WE50 Engineering Heroes’ for her PhD work at Newcastle University to improve the function and comfort of prosthetic limbs, with her research continuing into improving the safety of prosthetic sockets.

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said:

Our universities are vital engines of growth, and this government is backing them to cement this status by building a pipeline of skills that will drive the country’s economic recovery.

We have also been clear that we want to work with the higher education sector on a wider programme of reform, with Skills England helping ensure young people and adults have the training they need to access real opportunities in tomorrow’s economy, particularly those essential to advancing our clean energy goals and achieving a sustainable future.

UKRI Chief Executive, Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, said:

UKRI’s investments in Doctoral Training are pivotal for the UK’s research and innovation endeavour.

The awards provide funding for Universities across the UK to nurture a cadre of creative, talented people to develop their skills and knowledge, to build partnerships and networks, and to pursue the discoveries that will transform tomorrow, with diverse benefits for society and economic growth.

Dr John Lazar CBE FREng, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said:

We warmly welcome this announcement on National Engineering Day, which celebrates the transformative power of engineering to shape the world around us and improve our lives. UK engineering research has a strong global reputation and today’s support from government is an investment in our future economy.

Research advances in engineering and science provide the foundation for new products and services that generate jobs and benefit society. Engineering traverses the modern economy and engineers are involved in almost every economic sector, including many ‘non-engineering’ industries like financial services and the media.

Notes to editors

More than £564 million of funding announced will be allocated through three of UKRI’s research councils:

• Jointly, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and Natural Environment Research Council Doctoral Landscape Awards will invest £293 million in more than 2,300 studentships across five cohorts.
• The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council will invest £279 million in doctoral landscape awards, supporting 2,400 studentships at 40 universities.
• The Natural Environment Research Council will invest a further £11.4 million to support around 90 studentships through 4 focal awards.

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 8 October 2024.

Science Secretary launches new Regulatory Innovation Office today to speed up public access to new technologies.

New technologies, like AI for better treatments in our NHS and drones delivering emergency supplies to all corners of the UK, could reach the public faster through a dedicated new office that will reduce the burden of red tape on innovation and help kickstart economic growth.

The new Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) will reduce the burden for businesses hoping to bring new products and services to the market in some of the UK’s fastest-growing sectors through innovations like –AI training software for surgeons to deliver more accurate surgical treatments for patients and drones which can improve business efficiency and quickly send critical deliveries to remote parts of the country.

To do so, it will support regulators to update regulation, speeding up approvals, and ensuring different regulatory bodies work together smoothly. It will work to continuously inform the government of regulatory barriers to innovation, set priorities for regulators which align with the government’s broader ambitions and support regulators to develop the capability they need to meet them and grow the economy.

The announcement comes ahead of further plans to reduce the burden of red tape and support the government’s key mission of kickstarting growth across the country. The new Office will also help set the scene for when the UK hosts the International Investment Summit on Monday 14 October, where the Chancellor will make clear that the UK is “open for business” as the government resets relations with trading partners around the globe.

The launch of the RIO comes hot on the heels of a raft of public and private investments announced on Sunday (6 October) aimed at transforming cancer treatments for patients while bringing a wave of cutting-edge UK-made MedTech products to the global market.

The RIO’s mission will initially support the growth of four fast-growing areas of technology making a difference to people’s lives before backing further technologies and sectors as the Office evolves. These are:

• Engineering biology – this is the use of synthetic biology and biotechnology to create new products and services derived from organic sources. These technologies can improve health with new treatments like innovative vaccines, help create cleaner fuels and make food production more efficient and sustainable such as through pest resistant crops and cultivated meat. The new RIO will help regulators to bring those products to market safely and more quickly – realising the environmental and health benefits they can bring to our lives.
• Space – the UK’s space industry is growing fast, supporting everything from GPS on phones to vital communication systems, as new innovations improve our weather forecasting to disaster response systems. To sustain this growth, regulatory reform is needed for greater agility and clarity to help foster competition, encourage investment, and open up market access.
• Artificial Intelligence and digital in healthcare – with increasing pressures on the NHS, AI is set to revolutionise healthcare delivery so doctors can diagnose illnesses faster and improve patient care. It will help run hospitals more efficiently with medical staff able to spend less time on administration, cutting waiting times and it could enable more personalised medicines, tailoring treatment to individuals. RIO will support the healthcare sector to deploy AI innovations safely, improving NHS efficiency and patients’ health outcomes.
• Connected and autonomous technology – autonomous vehicles like drones can deliver emergency supplies to remote areas quickly and efficiently and work to approve this technology could play a key part in supporting emergency services to keep people safe. Greater support could also enable more drones to be used by businesses across the UK, building on projects like the drone service used by Royal Mail to deliver to Orkney and improving efficiency.

The cross-cutting nature of these emerging technologies, which do not fit neatly into existing regulatory frameworks can mean a slower process in getting them onto the market. The new Office will work closely with government departments including the Department for Transport, the Department for Health and Social Care, and the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs to address regulatory barriers in these initial growth areas.

The new office will also bring regulators together and working to remove obstacles and outdated regulations to the benefit of businesses and the public, unlocking the power of innovation from these sectors to generate tens of billions of pounds for the UK economy in the coming years.

Science and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, said:

The launch of the Regulatory Innovation Office, a key manifesto commitment, is a big step forward in bringing the UK’s most promising new technologies to the public faster and safely while kickstarting economic growth.

By speeding up approvals, providing regulatory certainty and reducing unnecessary delays, we’re curbing the burden of red tape so businesses and our public services can innovate and grow, which means more jobs, a stronger economy, and a better quality of life for people across the UK.

From breakthroughs that could help doctors diagnose illnesses earlier to satellite navigation for more accurate weather forecasting and getting emergency supplies to where they are needed, quickly and effectively, RIO will make sure UK companies are at the forefront of the next generation of technologies.

The Science and Technology Secretary is also looking to appoint the RIO’s first Chair to lead the charge in backing business and safe innovation, and work with regulators and partners to shape a regulatory environment that is fit for the future. Applications are now being welcomed for an ambitious, visionary leader committed to driving that change.

The organisation has been established within DSIT, where it will incorporate the existing functions of the Regulatory Horizons Council and the Regulators’ Pioneer Fund.

Alongside the launch of the RIO, the government is already making progress in developing regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies, becoming the first country to outline how it will approach quantum regulation, offering certainty to the sector and encouraging the responsible development of the technology.

This is set out in our response to the Regulatory Horizon Council’s report on quantum technologies, also published today. It marks a crucial first step in regulating innovation in a technology that will increasingly underpin powerful computers, secure communications and advanced sensors, in sectors from healthcare to national security.

Alongside this package of announcements, today we are announcing:

• A £1.6 million award to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) as part of round one of the Engineering Biology Sandbox Fund, which aims to test innovative regulatory approaches for products like cultivated meat. Cell-cultivated products are foods created through the isolation of cells from meat, seafood, fat, offal or eggs which are grown in a controlled environment. It could result in food production which is more environmentally friendly and sustainable, using just 1% of the land used for animal equivalents, while increasing food security. Programmes like this will help bring innovative food products to shop shelves safely but without unnecessary delay and at lower costs, giving consumers more choice.
• The publication of new voluntary screening guidance for synthetic nucleic acid. These technologies allow companies to ‘print’ DNA and RNA, enabling academics and businesses to study and engineer biological systems that help sectors like healthcare and accelerate our path to net-zero. The guidance emphasises the government’s intent for a pro-innovation culture in the engineering biology ecosystem through providing well-defined guardrails for customers and producers of synthetic nucleic acid.

Neil Ross, Associate Director for Policy at techUK, said:

The UK is home to amazing array of innovation, however, historically we have been slow to deploy new technologies at pace and at scale.

techUK and our members are supportive of the aims of the Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO), which intends to address this historic problem. By smoothing the path to deployment of new technologies, the RIO can open the door to significant applications both in the commercial sphere and for public services.

If we get this right this could unleash billions of pounds of additional investment. This will require the RIO, and its chair, to work closely with the private sector to identify the most promising opportunities, move quickly to deliver tangible results, and seek new opportunities on a rolling basis.

Steve Bates OBE, CEO of the BioIndustry Association, said:

The UK’s world-class strength in engineering biology and AI is a unique opportunity to drive economic growth and deliver innovative products that improve all our lives, from healthier food with a smaller carbon footprint to precision cancer vaccines with reduced side-effects.

Regulation when done right can be an enabler of innovation, not a hinderance. We welcome this rapid progress by the new Labour government to install a new body tasked with making sure great British innovations reach the public faster so that we can all benefit.

BIA has been closely involved in the development of this new approach to engineering biology through the Regulatory Horizons Council and the Biosecurity Leadership Council. We look forward to engaging further as the Regulatory Innovation Office takes shape.

We also hope that this leads to greater collaboration between regulators to ensure a joined-up and comprehensive approach to new innovations in the pipeline.

Naomi Weir, CBI Director of Technology and Innovation, said:

The focus of the new Regulatory Innovation Office represents an ambitious statement from the government of their intent to put innovation at their heart of their mission to grow the economy. Getting the economy firing on all cylinders requires an approach to regulation that sets out clear steps for unlocking private sector investment and involves meaningful partnership with business.

Improving the pace of decisions, coherence between regulators and building regulator capability will all be welcomed by businesses as practical steps that will build confidence. Focusing on how regulation can be deployed to bring new ideas to market at pace and scale will enhance the UK’s competitiveness in the global race for investment.

Steve Lee, Director of Diagnostics & Digital Regulation, ABHI, said:

Regulation not only ensures patient safety but also shapes the UK’s reputation as a hub for healthcare innovation and investment. ABHI welcomes the Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO), a key step towards regulatory reform.

In our Spring 2025 Spending Review submission, we recommended that the RIO and MHRA conduct a rapid review of the system that supports how we carry out UK regulation in HealthTech, which can improve efficiency and support initiatives like the Software as a Medical Device roadmap. We look forward to collaborating with DSIT and the RIO to drive forward these important reforms.

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 1 October 2024.

A new panel of technology experts, advocates, and academics come together to shape the government’s new ‘digital centre’.

Millions of people will enjoy shorter waiting lists and better public services as technology leaders, inclusion advocates and leading academics will shape the government’s new ‘digital centre’ to boost how technology is used to repair public services and drive economic growth.

The group, co-chaired by successful start-up founder Baroness Martha Lane Fox and Chair of the Central Digital and Data Office Paul Willmott, will help the government plan changes to how technology is used across public services in a new bid to cut backlogs, improve service outcomes and make government services more accessible.

It brings in leading industry expertise, including Poppy Gustafson, the founder of Darktrace, as well as prominent advocates for digital inclusion and skills, such as Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon.

The move follows 3 Cabinet Office and No.10 units joining DSIT to unite efforts in the digital transformation of public services under one department. Together, the teams currently build and manage GOV.UK, the primary platform for accessing government services and information, lead a network of over 28,000 technology professionals across the public sector, and develop cutting-edge AI tools for a range of uses across Whitehall and public services.

Harnessing the power of technology will be crucial to support the government in achieving its mission of making public services work for working people, grow the economy, and make everyone across the country better off.

Announcing the panel today at The Times’ Tech Summit, AI and Digital Government Minister Feryal Clark said:

Poor technology slows down public services too often, when new tools should be cutting waiting lists and taking the burden from citizens and the taxpayer. That is why DSIT has become the centre for digital government.

We will be bold in our plans with this new responsibility, and the external expertise we are bringing in to advise us will help deliver on our shared ambitions to improve public services and drive sustainable growth that works for everyone.

Martha Lane Fox – Entrepreneur and crossbench peer (Co-Chair) said:

The UK has an opportunity to deliver modern, reliable public services that benefit citizens while also helping to grow the economy. I am excited to help.

Notes to editors

Martha Lane Fox – Entrepreneur and crossbench peer (Co-Chair) said:

The UK has an opportunity to deliver modern, reliable public services that benefit citizens while also helping to grow the economy. I am excited to help.

Poppy Gustafsson OBE, technology entrepreneur and co-founder of Darktrace said:

It should be as easy to get support from public services as it now is to book a taxi ride or order your shopping online, and there is a huge opportunity for government to make greater use of technology to better serve citizens. Digital and AI can make government more human-scale, with personalised public services that puts power in citizens’ hands, and gives people faster access to help and advice.

I am excited by the ambition of the government’s plans on digital transformation and delighted to be supporting them in these efforts.

Paul Willmott, Chair of the Central Digital and Data Office and Co-Chair said:

Embracing digital technologies such as AI is vital for the public sector, enabling delivery of faster yet more efficient services. In turn this will improve accessibility and transparency for citizens, and boost economic growth by removing bottlenecks for business.  I am delighted to be working with this exceptional group to shape the way forward.

Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE – Social Entrepreneur, computer scientist, CEO of Stemettes, said:

Digital as a tool has so many opportunities to play a bigger role in improving public services, how government operates and the lives of people across our country. I’m excited to be a part of setting the digital centre vision and creating positive change with the DSIT team.

Jeni Tennison, Founder and Executive Director of Connected by Data, said:

I’m pleased to contribute to the government’s plans for technology in the public sector.  My priority is to ensure data, digital and AI adoption is centred around support for the public and public sector workers and helps foster trust through inclusion, accountability and openness.

Lou Cordwell, Professor of Innovation, University of Manchester, said:

Technology holds the key to transforming the delivery of public services over the coming decade. It’s great to see that the government is committed to making sure we all benefit from the ways in which innovative technologies can transform everyday life for people across the country and I’m looking forward to working with the panel to develop an ambitious long term vision for the new digital centre of government.

Aaron Maniam, Fellow of Practice and Director, Digital Transformation Education, Blavatnik School of Government said:

I am delighted to be part of this advisory panel. Digital technology has the potential to truly transform citizen lives but can also bring risks. Getting this balance right is a key challenge for all governments and requires constant learning from global examples of excellence. DSIT is taking a major step forward by convening this panel. I look forward to working with colleagues to harness the opportunities for digital government in the UK.

David Eaves, Co-Deputy Director and Associate Professor at UCL, said:

Today there is no digital government, there is just government. This panel offers a unique opportunity to not just help inform a strategy to reimagine government and services but to assure we place inclusion, safety and trust into the foundations of a digital era government. It’s a privilege to be asked to help make technology a core competency of government and help find ways to improve public services for all citizens.

Sarah Hunter, Technology Policy Advisor, Board member at ARIA and Former Director of Global Public Policy at ‘X the Moonshot Factory’ said:

The UK was one of the first places in the world to use digital new technology in its public service delivery and I’m delighted this new government wants to build on that legacy.

Citizens could benefit so much from the next generation of technology tools. It’s exciting to see this government putting the citizen at the heart of their vision.

Lisa Harrington, Tech and Growth Advisor said:

I am excited to provide ideas and constructive challenge to the development of the government digital centre through this external panel.  Our goal is to ensure that digital advancements are accessible and beneficial to everyone, driving growth for the UK and creating positive change for all UK citizens.

Josie Cluer,  Partner, People Consulting, EY said:

At such a critical time for the country, I am delighted to play a role in realising the transformative power of new technologies for government and citizens. Digitally-enabled public services will have people at their heart, and I am excited about the opportunity to help government set not just the vision for the future but the practical steps to get there, working with citizens, public servants and technologists.

Lord Richard Allan, Technology Adviser said:

When digital is done well, it can make life easier for everyone who uses and works in our public services. There are examples of great digital solutions but also areas where public services are behind the curve. I hope we can help the government make progress across the board and welcome their creative approach to delivering on this priority.

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 26 September 2024.

Support for semiconductor scale-ups announced as Lord Vallance kicks off a stakeholder forum ahead of the G7 Semiconductors Points of Contact group in Cambridge.

UK semiconductor firms producing vital technology from phone screens to surgical lasers are being backed in their efforts to scale up into large businesses and drive economic growth.

The science Minister Lord Patrick Vallance has announced the 16 projects that will win a share of a £11.5 million pot – provided by Innovate UK – that will help drive innovation, as he opened an industry conference of G7 nations today (Thursday 26 September).

Pioneering projects across the country will help take the UK’s thriving semiconductor industry to the next level as it further enhances everyday life – from more efficient medical devices to energy saving phone screens – and kickstart economic growth.

This comes shortly before the Government’s International Investment Summit which will showcase the UK as a place to do business. Today’s move is yet another reason for business to choose the UK as a place to invest – as it is backing the industries of the future.

A new report by Perspective Economics reveals the UK semiconductor sector, which includes over 200 companies in research, design, and manufacturing, is valued at almost £10 billion and could grow up to £17 billion by 2030.

Semiconductors are small chips at the core of everyday technology from smartphones to renewable energy systems and this support will help to scale up domestic manufacturing and strengthen supply chain resilience, so the UK is fit for the future in a global industry.

The funding comes as the G7 Semiconductors Point of Contact group kicks off with a stakeholder forum at major UK tech company Arm’s HQ in Cambridge, where member states, research organisations, and industry representatives are discussing key issues affecting the global semiconductor industry, like supporting early-stage innovation and sustainability.

Science Minister, Lord Vallance, said:

Semiconductors are an unseen but vital component in so many of the technologies we rely on in our lives and backing UK innovators offers a real opportunity to growth these firms into industry leaders, strengthening our £10 billion sector and ensuring it drives economic growth.

Our support in these projects will promote critical breakthroughs such as more efficient medical devices that could significantly lower costs and faster manufacturing processes to improve productivity.

Hosting the G7 semiconductors Points of Contact group is also a chance to showcase the UK’s competitive and growing sector and make clear our commitment to keeping the UK at the forefront of advancing technology.

Among the funded projects, receiving a share of £11.5 million, is Vector Photonics Limited in collaboration with the University of Glasgow, which aims to enhance the power and cost-effectiveness of blue light lasers in everyday technology by using gallium nitride, a high-performance material. Blue lasers are key in devices like medical equipment, quantum displays and car headlights.

Another project, led by Quantum Advanced Solutions Ltd with the University of Cambridge, is developing advanced shortwave infrared (SWIR) sensors which improve vision in critical sectors like defence, by supporting surveillance in challenging conditions in low-visibility environments, such as during adverse weather conditions or atmospheric disturbances. The project looks to simplify production using innovative quantum dot materials – tiny semiconductor particles that emit light at specific wavelengths – offering higher sensitivity and performance, cutting costs and making this advanced technology more accessible to multiple sectors including manufacturing and healthcare.

Andrew Tyrer, Deputy Director, Electronics, Sensors and Photonics, Innovate UK, said:

Innovate UK’s investment in this programme directly supports the National Semiconductor Strategy launched in 2023 and aims to ensure the UK’s place in the global landscape.

Iain Mauchline Innovation Lead – Electronics, Sensors, and Photonics at Innovate UK, added:

It has been recognised that semiconductors are key enablers for the UK ambitions across all critical technology areas. Funding these diverse projects highlights the strengths and depth of the UK’s semiconductor ecosystem.

The G7 Semiconductors Point of Contact Group, established under Italy’s G7 Presidency earlier this year, continues its mission to address issues impacting the semiconductor industry, including early-stage innovation, crisis coordination, sustainability, and the impact of government policies and practices.

Rene Haas, CEO, Arm said:

It is an honour to host the stakeholder forum ahead of the G7 Semiconductors Points of Contact group at Arm’s global headquarters in Cambridge to advance collective efforts from industry, research organizations, and governments to increase supply chain resilience, security, and energy efficiency.  We look forward to continued partnership with the G7 representatives and the UK government as we work to enable innovation and realize the full potential of AI.

This meeting immediately follows the OECD Semiconductor Informal Exchange Network gathering, where countries and stakeholders shared strategies for strengthening global semiconductor supply chains and addressing shared challenges in the semiconductor industry.

The UK is playing a key role in the OECD’s efforts to unite government and industry in navigating the complexities of the global chip supply chain.

Charles Sturman, CEO of TechWorks said:

This report represents the first detailed economic study of the UK Semiconductor sector in many years. I am proud to have been part of this important work and pleased with the results. Key findings here show that the UK already sees significant revenue from the sector and, by building on strong innovation, we can see significant opportunity to increase this together with our ~2% share of global semiconductor revenues; ultimately creating much more than the 86,000 jobs currently in the wider economy. The industry is set to grow rapidly in the next decade and the right mix of scale-up support and industrial policy can secure future growth of the UK semiconductor sector.

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 19 September 2024.

The UK will host a conference in San Francisco for discussions with AI developers on how they can put into practice commitments made at the AI Seoul Summit.

The UK will host a conference in San Francisco for discussions with AI developers on how they can put into practice commitments made at the AI Seoul Summit.

To be held across the 21 and 22 November, the event will feature a number of workshops and discussions focused on AI safety ahead of France hosting the AI Action Summit in February 2025.

Earlier this year, 16 companies from across the globe including those from the US, EU, Republic of Korea, China and the UAE, agreed to publish their latest AI safety frameworks ahead of the next Summit.

These frameworks will lay out their plans to tackle the most severe potential AI risks, including if the technology was misused by bad actors. As part of these commitments, companies also agreed to stop the deployment or development of any models if their potential risks cannot be sufficiently addressed.

The event will be a moment for AI companies to take stock and share ideas and insights to support the development of their AI safety frameworks through a targeted day of talks between signatory companies and researchers.

Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:

The conference is a clear sign of the UK’s ambition to further the shared global mission to design practical and effective approaches to AI safety.

We’re just months away from the AI Action Summit, and the discussions in San Francisco will give companies a clear focus on where and how they can bolster their AI safety plans building on the commitments they made in Seoul.

From today, attendees are also urged to share thoughts on potential areas of discussion at November’s conference, including existing and current proposals for developer safety plans, the future of AI model safety evaluations, transparency and methods for setting out different risk thresholds.

Co-hosted with the Centre for the Governance of AI and led by the UK’s AI Safety Institute (AISI), discussions will help build a deeper understanding of how the Frontier AI Safety Commitments are being put into practice.

The UK’s AI Safety Institute is the world’s first state-backed body dedicated to AI safety, and the UK has continued to play a global leadership role in developing the growing international network of AI Safety Institutes – including its landmark agreement with the US earlier this year.

The conference has been designed as a forum for attendees to exchange ideas on best practice in implementing the commitments, ensuring a transparent and collaborative approach for developers as they refine their AI safety frameworks ahead of the AI Action Summit.

It follows the US government yesterday announcing the first meeting of the International Network of AI Safety Institutes, which will take place in the days before from 20-21 November 2024, in San Francisco. The UK launched the world’s first AI Safety Institute at Bletchley Park last November, and since then nations around the world have raced to establish their own AI safety testing bodies.

The convening hosted by the US will bring together technical experts on artificial intelligence from each country’s AI safety institute, or equivalent government-backed scientific office, in order to align on priority work areas for the Network and begin advancing global collaboration and knowledge sharing on AI safety.