REAL WORLD IMPACT

The launch of the Centre positions the University as a centre of excellence in responsible AI research and expertise and a “go-to” institution and trusted voice in the region for knowledge and advice on key aspects of AI deployment.

The Centre convenes and coordinates our multidisciplinary research strengths in citizen-centred AI and digital technologies, AI in law enforcement and the public sector, data intensive science and environmental impacts. We join these strengths with our extensive focus on AI in our education provision, working with students and young people to ensure that AI resources are understood and available to all and that they are used responsibly. We also aim to equip all our students with the AI skills and literacy to go into their future careers. We use our sector-leading approach to support and train others to develop their own AI approaches, with a particular focus on professional contexts and on supporting educators in using AI in pedagogy. Explore our Responsible AI for Senior Public Sector Leaders programme here.

We are funded by Responsible AI UK for the PROBabLE Futures project – Probabilistic AI Systems in Law Enforcement Futures (RAi Keystone project) and ‘Generative AI: Building Young Refugees’ Skills andCapacities’ (RAi Skills project). We therefore have the knowledge and expertise to help regional and national public sector partners, industry bodies and professionals develop AI approaches in a way that puts people at the heart of AI use, maintaining public confidence and enhancing responsible innovation.

At Northumbria University’s UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Citizen-Centred Artificial Intelligence (CCAI), we are looking for PhD candidates to join us in a groundbreaking initiative: bringing citizens to the heart of AI’s design and development. We are training over 60 PhD researchers - over the next 8 years - to lead the way in developing AI applications and services that serve citizens as well as governments and businesses.  Our CDT’s place-based civic mission – here in the North East of England - is also dedicated to ensuring that the transformative power of AI benefits all communities, especially those who are most affected by digital advancements. By training our researchers here, we are empowering them to understand the specific needs of the region and to champion inclusive, citizen-centred AI solutions. Our programme fosters diverse perspectives and values, preparing our PhD researchers to lead meaningful change in both local and global contexts.

Our training programme will build your skills across AI, human computer interaction, design, regulation, and governance, enhanced by real-world industry and community placements. Our goal? To make AI truly “work for citizens.” Through immersive learning experiences, you’ll engage in innovative research and acquire the interdisciplinary tools to become one of tomorrow’s leaders in AI ethics and design.

Our aim is for the centre to  help position the North-East as a key location for the AI-enabled economy and for providing practice and research-based expertise in the responsible use of AI in the public sector. We want to support our regional partners to develop their AI and data capacity, ensuring AI adoption is grounded in principles of responsibility and that new technology has a positive impact on people and inclusion.

The University’s deep-rooted connections with regional businesses, public sector organisations and national policymakers provide a strong foundation for meaningful engagement and real-world application of AI research. Northumbria’s existing AI and digital innovation initiatives, combined with its expertise in policy-driven research, position the Centre to influence AI governance at local and national levels. Additionally, the University’s strategic ambitions to play an even bigger role in driving social mobility, inclusion and opportunity are supported by the Centre’s mission to ensure AI is developed and applied in ways that are ethical and benefit everyone, leaving no one behind.