From 2023 to 2024 over 30 researchers from the UK and Italy participated in the UK-ItalyTrustworthy Artificial Intelligence (AI) Visiting Researcher Programme, fostering collaboration across diverse AI fields such as healthcare, cybersecurity, and machine learning. Supported by the FCDO Tech Standard and Partnership Fund, the initiative strengthened bilateral ties and advanced ethical AI research.

Programme Highlights

Launched at the Ital-IA conference in May 2023, the programme was delivered in collaboration with The Alan Turing Institute and FAIR Foundation. It tackled the challenges of developing trustworthy AI, ensuring AI systems are resilient, safe, secure and ethical.

This critical area benefits from international collaboration to establish shared standards and practices. The exchange saw 36 researchers spending one week to two months in host institutions, generating 70 research outputs, including joint publications, conference submissions, and project proposals for European and national funding.

Key Impacts

With an average cost of £2,400 per exchange, the initiative was a cost-effective way to generate impactful outcomes and foster a shared commitment to ethical AI research.

• Enhanced Collaboration: Researchers developed joint algorithms, methodologies, and solutions in safety-critical domains. This fostered alignment in approaches and laid the groundwork for future long-term placements.
• New Opportunities: Participants advanced proposals for initiatives like Horizon Europe and a Marie Curie Fellowship, ensuring continued innovation and funding prospects.
• Widespread Engagement: Institutions across the whole of the UK and Italy accessed the programme, ensuring a balanced geographical representation and broadening research networks.
• Professional Development: The programme supported early-career researchers, offering valuable opportunities to establish international partnerships and enhance expertise.

Closing Workshop and Future Directions

The programme culminated in November 2024 with a workshop, “UK-Italy Exchange of Researchers in Trustworthy AI: A Blueprint for Future Collaboration?”

Hosted by SIN Italy, the event celebrated achievements and identified priorities for strengthening UK-Italy AI collaboration, aligning with the upcoming Science and Technology Dialogue between the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the Italian Ministry for University and Research.

The UK-Italy Trustworthy AI Visiting Researcher Programme demonstrated the power of international cooperation in addressing the challenges of trustworthy AI. By creating lasting networks, advancing research, and aligning on ethical principles, this initiative sets a strong foundation for future bilateral collaboration in science and technology.

For more information on this, please contact Alessandra Ferraris, SIN Italy: alessandra.ferraris@fcdo.gov.uk