UK universities say they will take advantage of opportunities of AI while recognising risks

Ten Vice-Chancellors of British universities stated on 15/01/2026 that the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in science presented a major opportunity, accompanied by certain risks that necessitated "concerted action in the coming years to position the UK as a beneficiary of the change to come".

This statement followed the publication by the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) of their AI for Science Strategy on 20/11/2025.

While the university leaders recognised that "the integration of AI into science will drive innovation that improves people’s lives", it also highlighted that "these developments have the potential to reshuffle global scientific standings".

"We welcome the scale of ambition in the strategy, as well as its emphasis on the pivotal role universities will play in ensuring the UK reaps the rewards of AI for science. We are already moving to support government ambitions in this space by delivering specialist training, AI conversion courses, AI for science fellowships and expanding support for research technical professionals," the signatories…