AI at Surrey: Preparing Graduates for the Future | University of Surrey

Why It Matters

Surrey’s people‑centred approach cultivates a skilled AI workforce equipped to develop responsible technologies, positioning the UK as a leader in ethical AI innovation.

Key Takeaways

• Surrey's People‑Centred AI Institute prioritizes societal impact over pure tech.
• Research spans health, sustainability, inclusive media, and AI ethics.
• Over £100 million secured, funding 100+ PhDs and MSc scholarships.
• Partnerships with BBC, Adobe, and industry giants drive real‑world AI deployment.
• AI MSc enrollment surges to 200, feeding talent into top tech firms.

Summary

The University of Surrey’s virtual open day showcased its People‑Centred AI Institute, a pan‑university hub that looks beyond algorithms to embed artificial intelligence responsibly into everyday life.

Professor Song outlined research streams ranging from AI‑assisted healthcare—emphasising transparency for clinicians and patients—to energy‑efficient models that run locally on laptops, reducing the carbon footprint of large data centres. The institute also tackles inclusive digital media, partnering with the BBC to personalize content and developing sign‑language avatars through the Signapse spin‑out.

Highlights included the £100 million research portfolio secured last year, with £45 million allocated to Surrey, funding over 100 PhD scholarships and a rapidly expanding MSc in AI that now admits nearly 200 students. Notable projects such as the DECaDE centre for data provenance, the national CoSTAR lab for creative industries, and the SignGPT deployment in UK transport hubs illustrate tangible outputs.

By coupling cutting‑edge AI research with extensive training and industry collaborations, Surrey is creating a pipeline of talent that feeds companies like Meta, Samsung and DeepMind while advancing ethical, sustainable, and inclusive AI applications across health, media and beyond.

Original Description

We'll explore how Surrey is approaching AI, from our research at the Institute for People-Centred AI, to how we're ensuring that our students are able to engage with AI ethically and effectively. Followed by a short Q&A. Featuring Professor Yi-Zhe Song.

This event was part of the Postgraduate Virtual Open Days, 10-12 March 2026, broadcast on Tuesday 10 March.

All information was correct at the time of broadcast. Please check surrey.ac.uk for the latest information.

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