London Gains New AI Research Hub with Imperial College & Thomson Reuters Partnership
LONDON – Imperial College London and Thomson Reuters have launched a new artificial intelligence research laboratory, aiming to accelerate the translation of AI breakthroughs into real-world applications and bolster the UK’s position in the global AI landscape. The collaboration, announced today, will focus on areas including agentic systems, reasoning algorithms, and the ethical implications of AI, notably within the legal sector.
The initiative arrives as the UK government signals increased investment in AI, with Chancellor Rachel reeves recently unveiling a £1.5 billion Autumn Budget package dedicated to skills development and digital apprenticeships. This partnership seeks to capitalize on that momentum, fostering innovation, high-skilled job creation, and university spinouts – positioning london as a potential global leader in AI innovation.
The lab will be co-directed by Professor Alessandra russo of Imperial College, who stated, “Our collaboration with Thomson Reuters anchors research in practical use cases, ensuring breakthroughs translate into societal benefit. There is huge potential to unlock creative approaches across industries, strengthening society and energising the economy.” Research will encompass the broader economic and workforce impacts of AI, alongside specific applications in legal technology.
Professor Felix Steffek of Cambridge University will contribute expertise to the lab’s focus on ethical and safe AI design. The lab’s activities will include joint seminars, visiting researcher programs, and the open publication of research findings, supported by multi-year funding and a dedicated PhD cohort.
The partnership underscores a growing national strategy to compete on both AI talent and technology, with the potential to drive economic growth and establish the UK as a key player in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.