The Alan Turing Institute (ATI) has announced a major transformation, shifting its focus toward defence, national security, and cybersecurity research. The change follows a directive from former science secretary Peter Kyle, who urged the institute to strengthen the UK’s sovereign artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.
The decision marks one of the most significant restructurings in the institute’s history, resulting in the closure or redirection of 78 research projects that no longer align with its new strategic goals. ATI will now concentrate on developing advanced AI tools designed to defend critical national infrastructure and support government-led security missions.
Strategic Redirection Toward National Security
The reorientation began in July when Kyle, then secretary of state at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, wrote to Alan Turing Institute chair Douglas Gurr outlining the need for a more focused approach. He emphasized that ATI’s research should advance the UK’s AI ambitions in areas that are beyond the immediate reach of private industry or individual universities.
Kyle’s letter also encouraged Alan Turing Institute to deliver tangible benefits for government initiatives, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and support the broader defence and intelligence community. In response, the institute initiated a comprehensive review of its operations and academic programmes.
Two months later, in September, Jean Innes stepped down as CEO after overseeing the early stages of the institute’s transition. Her departure paved the way for a new leadership phase dedicated to aligning ATI’s work with national defence priorities.
New Research Mission and Streamlined Programmes
To guide this transformation, Alan Turing Institute’s board appointed Blythe Crawford, a former Royal Air Force commodore, to assess how the institute can better contribute to government AI objectives in defence and security. Under this new direction, ATI launched a science and innovation programme designed to strengthen its role in safeguarding the UK’s digital infrastructure.
The institute has significantly reduced its research scope, winding down 78 projects that fall outside its renewed mission. Going forward, ATI will focus on areas such as AI-driven cybersecurity, protective sensing, and threat assessment technologies.
A major part of the institute’s future work will involve developing AI solutions to help defend critical national infrastructure—including energy grids, transport systems, and utilities—against cyber attacks.
Collaboration and Innovation in Defence Technology
The Alan Turing Institute plans to deepen its collaboration with national and international defence organizations to enhance the UK’s strategic advantage in artificial intelligence. Existing partnerships include the Defence Artificial Intelligence Research Centre, the AI for Cyber Defence Research Centre, and the Centre for Emerging Technology and Security.
These collaborations will enable Alan Turing Institute to expand its applied research in predictive intelligence, cyber resilience, and AI security frameworks. The institute’s ongoing projects will continue to focus on protecting high-value systems from digital threats and supporting the secure integration of AI into public-sector operations.
Chief Scientist Mark Girolami said the new focus is intended to harness AI for both innovation and safety. “Digital, data and AI technologies have huge transformative potential, and as the national institute, our purpose is to ensure they are adopted in ways that make our society more secure, healthy, and resilient,” he said.
Building a Secure and Resilient Digital Future
The institute’s restructuring reflects the growing importance of cybersecurity in the age of rapid technological advancement. As AI becomes deeply embedded across sectors, protecting sensitive systems from cyber threats has become a key government and industry priority.
By concentrating on high-impact defence applications, Alan Turing Institute aims to position itself as a leader in AI-driven national security innovation. The institute’s new direction will not only strengthen the UK’s resilience against cyber threats but also contribute to building a sustainable digital infrastructure capable of adapting to evolving global risks.
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