Coventry University is exploring opportunities to work with the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Hartree Centre to help businesses explore the incredible opportunities offered by technologies such as AI and supercomputing.
The two organisations have agreed to explore the development of a Digital and AI Skills Network aimed at understanding and enhancing current levels of adoption of advanced digital technologies in the West Midlands.
Ultimately the network is about exploring the future use of advanced digital technologies related to Data Science and Artificial Intelligence among organisations in the West Midlands.
The Hartree Centre is part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council, one of Europe’s largest multi-disciplinary scientific research organisations and is home to some of the most advanced digital technologies and experts in the UK.
Professor Paul Noon Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise & Innovation) at Coventry University, said: “Coventry University is excited to be exploring opportunities to work with the Hartree Centre on this timely project which aims to deliver Digital and AI Skills to create better futures for the West Midlands and wider UK workforce. This activity is intended to bring together the expertise of our colleges and research centres and our track record of skills delivery as exemplified by the Institute of Coding and the Electric Revolution Skills Hub.”
Professor Elena Gaura, Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor Research, added: “At Coventry University, we believe that AI will be a revolutionary force for the benefit of all parts of society. We are well positioned to deliver cutting-edge AI training and digital expertise to both the public and private sectors, building on a deep multi-sectorial understanding of AI.
“It is hoped this collaboration will enable us lead the charge in equipping the next generation with the skills needed to harness AI’s full potential, ensuring that UK organisations stay at the forefront of digital transformation – today and tomorrow.”
Professor Kate Royse, Director of the STFC Hartree Centre said: “It’s great to be starting this journey with Coventry University to look into creating a knowledge sharing network dedicated to upskilling UK industry and the public sector, starting with the West Midlands. As the UK’s only supercomputing centre dedicated to supporting industry, I believe strongly in our ability to collaborate with Coventry University to provide high quality training, add real value to UK organisations and help to address a national digital skills gap.”
Digital products and services make a significant contribution to the UK economy, but despite this, the UK is still underperforming on the adoption and use of digital technologies compared to some other countries.
While the Hartree Centre has a UK wide mandate, its collaboration with Coventry University could initially bring a regional focus within the West Midlands, with opportunities to expand into other regions as the network develops.
To find out more about studying computing and data science at Coventry University, visit Computing, Mathematics and Data Science | Coventry University
