Professor Mark Girolami, Sir Kirby Laing Professor of Civil Engineering and Royal Academy of Engineering Research Chair at the University of Cambridge, and Academic Director for CSIC, has been appointed Chief Scientist at the Turing.
The newly created role comes at a significant moment for UK science and technology following the government’s recently launched National AI Strategy that recognises the power of AI to increase resilience, productivity, growth and innovation across the private and public sectors, providing a 10-year plan to make Britain a global AI superpower.
All of CSIC congratulate Mark on his appointment to Chief Scientist at the Turing. This is an important role and comes at a significant time in the development of technology and the required ethics and governance that will ensure benefits are for the public good. Dr Jennifer Schooling, Director CSIC
As Chief Scientist for the UK’s national institute for data science and AI, Professor Girolami will have responsibility for the creation and delivery of the Institute’s scientific and innovation strategy, as well as its approach to ethics and responsible innovation.
Reflecting on his appointment, Professor Girolami said:“I am delighted to have this opportunity to become the Turing’s first Chief Scientist and, in this role, provide the required leadership to accomplish the Institute’s mission of making great leaps in data science and AI research and innovation in order to change the world for the better. In setting the strategic direction for the Institute, we will provide a model of how safe and ethical data science and AI can build long term strengths and benefits for society and the economy, and support the UK’s needs and broader ambition to be a global leader in this space.”
Congratulating Professor Girolami on his appointment, Dr Jennifer Schooling, Director of CSIC, said: “All of CSIC congratulate Mark on his appointment to Chief Scientist at The Turing. This is an important role and comes at a significant time in the development of technology and the required ethics and governance that will ensure benefits are for the public good. We are very fortunate to have Mark as our academic lead at CSIC and look forward to his continued valuable contribution to the future of our Centre as we advance the smart infrastructure agenda to support the time-critical challenges of carbon zero and resource constraint.”