The University of Portsmouth has officially opened its new Portsmouth AI and Data Science Centre, focusing on developing artificial intelligence solutions for healthcare, education, cybersecurity, and digital marketing sectors.
The Portsmouth AI and Data Science (PAiDS) Centre has been formally established in response to the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and data science research and innovation.
The centre’s primary focus involves creating computer patterns, methodologies, and algorithms designed to enhance systems and service delivery across multiple domains, including health and wellbeing, education, cyber security, and digital marketing.
Monday’s launch event at the University’s Faculty of Technology drew more than 150 attendees from both business and academic communities. The gathering aimed to foster dynamic discussions, stimulate innovation, and reinforce collaborative relationships within the AI and data science sector.
The event centred around the theme of ‘Localised AI’, featuring presentations from prominent industry experts including Dr Dara Sosuluski, Head of AI and Model Management for Markets and Securities at HSBC, and Winn Faria, Innovate UK’s Knowledge Transfer Manager.
Keynote speakers and panel participants offered diverse insights into AI and data science from their respective positions across industry, academia, healthcare, and funding organisations.
Attendees participated in discussion panels exploring knowledge transfer between academic institutions and industry, as well as AI applications in healthcare. The programme also provided networking opportunities with researchers leading AI studies and development initiatives.
The sessions collectively examined current challenges and opportunities within AI and data science whilst identifying future directions for developing and implementing localised AI solutions.
Professor Mohamed Bader-El-Den, Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at the University of Portsmouth, commented: “For many years, artificial intelligence and machine learning were mainly academic areas, something you would typically find inside universities and research laboratories. But now, thanks to recent industry breakthroughs, powerful AI tools have become widely accessible.
“To truly benefit from these innovations, we need what we call ‘localised AI’ – custom-built solutions tailored specifically to different industries and practical needs. We’re just at the start of this exciting journey, and there is still plenty of research and innovation ahead – think of it as similar to when smartphones opened the door to entirely new worlds of apps and opportunities.
“The Portsmouth AI and Data Science Centre (PAiDS) is built on longstanding experience in AI research and strong industry links. We also offer specialised undergraduate and postgraduate courses in AI and Data Analytics, along with targeted AI training programmes, ensuring that our graduates and professionals have the skills and knowledge to excel in this fast-paced, ever-evolving field.”
Centre Specialisations
The PAiDS Centre encompasses AI expertise across several key areas:
- Cybersecurity
- Health and Wellbeing – enhancing healthcare delivery
- Big data and high performance computing
- Quantum AI
- Language Processing
- Sustainable built environments
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Academic Programmes
The Centre supports various specialised university programmes, including MSc degrees in AI and Machine Learning, Data Analytics, and Cybersecurity, alongside a Data Science and Analytics BSc (Hons).
Beyond traditional degree programmes, PAiDS Centre has recently delivered AI Bootcamps and is developing targeted AI certificates, including the Portsmouth AI Safety & Awareness Certificate and AI for Leaders and Managers.
Research Partnerships
The University collaborates with numerous national and international partners in AI and Data Science research and innovation, including the Office of National Statistics, Ministry of Defence, and Visa.
The PAiDS Centre seeks to expand partnerships with technology end-users to generate lasting positive economic and societal impact.
The University of Portsmouth holds fifth position among modern universities for research quality in computer science and informatics, according to the Research Excellence Framework rankings.
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