Artificial intelligence: IOP responds to government’s AI action plan

The Institute of Physics (IOP) has responded to the government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan announced today.

Louis Barson, Director of Science, Innovation and Skills, IOP, said: “AI is going to shape our world in the decades to come and it’s welcome that the UK government is raising ambition around how to build on its strong position to be an AI leader of the future.

“Of course, none of this will be possible without having the right people with the right skills in place to deliver this technological transformation and the economic growth that goes with it. That includes physics skills – as this year’s Nobel Prize recognised, physics has underpinned the development of AI, and is a heavy user of AI in everything from particle physics to astronomy.

“This needs a strategic approach targeting every educational stage: from the critical shortage of physics specialists in schools to graduates in our universities and technical pathways like apprenticeships, which can help build an AI-ready workforce for the UK.”