NPL to Lead New Centre for AI Measurement in Government-Backed AI Assurance Drive
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is set to spearhead a new Centre for AI Measurement following a significant £10.5 million investment from the government. This initiative was announced today and will serve as a central pillar of the AI Assurance Innovation Fund.
Objective of the Centre
The centre aims to accelerate the development of practical tools that assist organizations in identifying, assessing, and mitigating AI-related risks before they impact the economy or the public. As AI systems become increasingly capable and are deployed across various sectors, the need for scientifically robust approaches to AI assurance has been emphasized by ministers and regulators.
Collaboration and Capabilities
This new centre will unify research, testing, and industry collaboration into a single national capability. It will provide essential technical expertise and support to businesses, startups, and researchers focused on developing assurance tools for real-world applications.
Moreover, the centre is committed to expediting the market entry of trusted AI assurance tools, facilitating safe adoption while bolstering the UK’s position as a global leader in AI testing, evaluation, and security.
NPL’s Role and Initiatives
NPL, recognized as the UK’s National Metrology Institute, plays a pivotal role in fostering confidence in AI through various initiatives, such as its Life Cycle for Trustworthy and Safe Artificial Intelligence. It is also a founding partner of the AI Standards Hub, which focuses on shaping international standards for AI governance, measurement, and assurance.
Stakeholder Engagement
The centre will convene stakeholders from across the government, including the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the AI Security Institute, alongside industry leaders and international partners.
Strategic Advantage for the UK
By embedding AI assurance within metrology—the science of measurement—the Centre for AI Measurement aspires to provide the UK with a strategic advantage in the global AI landscape, positioning the country as a trusted hub for AI testing, evaluation, and security.
Statements from Leadership
Dr. Peter Thompson CBE, chief executive of NPL, emphasized the centre’s potential to reinforce the UK’s leadership in trustworthy AI. He stated, “As the UK’s National Metrology Institute, NPL will collaborate with industry to develop and validate scientifically robust technical AI assurance capabilities.” This initiative is intended to become an independent national resource that supports economic growth, national security, and the development of the UK’s AI ecosystem.
AI Minister Kanishka Narayan remarked on the necessity of trusted assurance tools for the responsible deployment of AI. He noted, “Robust, trusted tools for assessing the safety and effectiveness of emerging AI systems are essential for businesses to deploy them with confidence.”
Free AI Training for Millions
In conjunction with this announcement, the government revealed a major expansion of its national AI skills programme, committing to provide free AI training to 10 million workers by 2030. This initiative is part of a government-industry partnership aimed at preparing the workforce for the evolving AI economy.
The programme guarantees free training for every adult through a new national framework designed to cultivate practical, job-ready AI skills at scale, thereby enhancing the country’s long-term economic competitiveness.
Partnership with PwC UK
As part of this initiative, PwC UK has been appointed as a delivery partner for the government’s AI Skills Boost initiative, which aims to equip 7.5 million UK workers with AI capabilities by 2030. Central to this effort is the AI Skills Hub, designed by PwC UK in collaboration with Innovate UK, which provides free access to AI training for adults nationwide, allowing participants the opportunity to earn a government-backed virtual AI foundations badge.
