Queen's University and Ulster University have secured UK government funding to establish a program training 60 PhD students in artificial intelligence (AI) and biosciences over the next eight years.
The initiative, named NILab, aims to leverage AI to advance health, nutrition, and combat antimicrobial resistance, contributing to the local economy and addressing skill gaps.
NILab will integrate disciplines across both universities, involving the School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, and the School of Biological Sciences at Queen's.
Professor Hui Wang, the principal investigator from Queen's, emphasized the program's vision to accelerate bioscience discoveries through AI, equipping students with essential skills in causality analysis and biomarker discovery.
Professor Helene McNulty from Ulster University expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary training to tackle pressing challenges in health and nutrition.
This funding is part of a broader £500 million investment to support doctoral training across the UK, aimed at fostering the next generation of scientific talent.
Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle stated that investing in young scientists is vital for unlocking discoveries that enhance lives and drive economic growth.