The University of Bristol’s reputation as a leader in artificial intelligence research and education – which dates back to its work on robots in the 1940s – has been recognised with two major AI industry awards.
As well as topping the ‘AI University of The Year’ category at the inaugural National AI Awards, its REASON Open Networks Project landed the AI Award for High Tech & Telecom, rounding off a successful night for the Faculty of Science and Engineering. 
The university’s contributions to the AI aim to set global benchmarks for academic institutions and business and have ranged from supercomputing to driving innovation within the telecom industry, responsible AI systems and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Its pioneering work with the emerging technology can be traced back to the creation of autonomous robots in the 1940s through to one of the first MSc programs in machine learning in 1998.
For the past two decades and more, Bristol has been at the forefront of AI advancements, consistently driving forward projects that address pressing challenges in fields as diverse as climate research, robotics and healthcare.
This leadership in AI research has been strengthened by the recent launch of supercomputer Isambard AI, backed by a £225m investment from the government.
Associate pro vice-chancellor of research & innovation Prof Annela Seddon, who attended the awards ceremony and accepted the prize, pictured, said the university had always believed in the transformative power of AI to improve lives.
“At Bristol, we excel at connecting experts across disciplines—whether it’s working alongside our partners in government, industry, or civil society to co-create responsible and impactful AI solutions,” she added. 
“These partnerships, and the groundbreaking research happening across our institutes and centres, demonstrate Bristol’s commitment to a more sustainable, prosperous, and inclusive future for all.”
Pro vice-chancellor for global engagement Prof Michele Acuto described the accolade as rewarding decades of pioneering research.
“A deep-rooted history of AI innovation has placed the University of Bristol at the forefront of international efforts to safeguard this technology to drive societal change for the better,” he added. “We are tremendously proud of our colleagues.”
The REASON (Realising Enabling Architectures and Solutions for Open Networks) project brings together the entire telecommunications R&D supply chain to develop a roadmap for open 6G networks.
The project team meticulously crafted an award submission that showcased how the project is revolutionising network capabilities through cutting-edge AI applications, setting new standards for efficiency and performance in the sector.
Prof Dimitra Simeonidou, director of the university’s Smart Internet Lab, said: “AI will revolutionise future networks design, operations and service delivery.
“Working in partnership across academia and industry we have demonstrated considerable leadership in the field.
“We are delighted and honoured that this leadership has been recognised with this National AI Award.”
Bristol recently emerged as the fifth most AI-ready city in the UK, according to the SAS AI Cities Index 2024, which annually reveals the places most likely to benefit from the growing appetite for AI.
The inaugural National AI Awards were launched to spotlight the remarkable advances and contributions in the field of artificial intelligence.
Their mission is to honour the “brilliant minds and innovative companies” driving AI technology and making a profound impact across private and public sectors.
