Data and Artificial Intelligence

We have carried out research in data science and artificial intelligence (AI) for more than 30 years and are continuing to discover new ways in which they can be applied to improve health and daily life, whilst also understanding their accountability in society.

With the ever-increasing availability of data, our interdisciplinary teams strive to maximise the opportunities presented by the use of data science and artificial intelligence, aiming to unify aspects of computing science, applied health sciences, engineering, linguistics, psychology, geosciences and biological sciences under a single umbrella.

We seek innovative solutions to the big challenges that our society faces such as climate change, energy transition, agri-food, life sciences & healthcare, and others, while enabling new collaborations with industry and other organisations in support of their digital transformation journeys. We are also the home of core AI activities that aim to push the boundaries of research in technical areas around machine learning, robotics, AI ethics, explainable and trustworthy AI, and cybersecurity & privacy, while enhancing our provision for research-informed teaching.

We are also committed to supporting our region's digital economy via our involvement in initiatives with local and regional stakeholders, while maintaining and enhancing our world-leading academic profile and reputation."

Professor Georgios Leontidis, Interdisciplinary Centre for Data & Artificial Intelligence

Click here to watch Professor Leontidis' TEDx Aberdeen talk on the key role Artificial Intelligence can play in helping to build a more sustainable world.

We are pleased to announce that we are now accepting PhD proposals from academic supervisors as part of our UKRI AI CDT SUSTAIN first PhD cohort recruitment: https://www.sustain-cdt.ai/

Academic Contact: Prof. Georgios Leontidis, Director - georgios.leontidis@abdn.ac.uk
Admin contact: Alice Toulson - alice.toulson@abdn.ac.uk

Core Thematic Areas

These are our core themes, to be explored across the key areas of Agri-Tech and Environment, Digital Health, and Digitalisation in Energy with a focus on Digital Upskilling, Education, and Innovation.

Human-Centred AI

AI for Climate and Sustainability

Data-Centric and Trustworthy AI

Interdisciplinary Data & AI Projects

From agriculture and archaeology to medicine and geosciences, our researchers are utilising data and AI across many fields to further research and improve lives. Browse the project summaries in our Interdisciplinary Research Project Database to find out more about the critical role data and artificial intelligence have to play in advances spanning many disciplines.

Visual processing in humans and machines

Researchers are investigating whether the artificial networks behind machine 'perception' can help us better understand the human brain, with potential implications for medicine and technology.

Transcriptomic profiling of viral infections in the brain of a key pollinator

Honeybees are the most valuable pollinators of natural ecosystems but are at risk from the DWV virus. Researchers are using advanced computational approaches to assess its effects on insect cognition.

Using AI to control glucose levels for individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

This project brings together expertise on dietary assessment, nutrition, AI and natural language generation to begin development of a tool to help diabetes sufferers make better dietary decisions.

Estimating glacier surface velocities for ice avalanche events

By constantly monitoring data and datasets, it should be possible to estimate surface velocity changes in glaciers and predict potentially catastrophic avalanche events before they happen.

Mathematical model of hospital patient flow

Hospital management is hindered by uncertainty of when patients will be admitted and discharged. Using a data-driven mathematical model, researchers hope to predict discharge times and save resources.

Research

See how data and artificial intelligence are informing some of our research across the University.

Decoding volcanic eruptions with thermal imaging

Aberdeen researchers have created the world's first 3D thermal image of an active volcano. Our new, low-cost monitoring system can be applied anywhere in the world.

Improving healthcare with artificial intelligence

Launched in 2018, iCAIRD brings together 15 academic, industry and healthcare partners to quickly and efficiently solve healthcare challenges throughout Scotland.

Simplifying data with the power of language

Research at the University is helping global industries better understand 'big data' with Natural Language Generation technology, improving efficiency, facilitating decision making and saving time and expense.

Predicting gas turbine emissions through deep learning and data modelling

A University of Aberdeen project aims to use operational data, physical models, and machine learning to save money and simplify the emissions monitoring process for gas turbines.

Videos

Blogs & Opinions

Experts from across the University share their thoughts and opinions on topics and research relating to data and artificial intelligence.

Abstract image of a face made up of 1s, 0s and circuits

AI has the power to help, not hinder us

Professor Georgios Leontidis, the University's Director for Data and Artificial Intelligence, looks at how research taking place at the University is helping meet the opportunities and challenges of the data science and AI revolution and how these new technologies will help shape our futures.

AI mission accomplished: Shazam for dolphin calls

Virginia Iorio-Merlo and Dr Oihane Fernández-Betelu from the School of Biological Sciences discuss how the use of AI technologies has helped their study of interactions between dolphins and salmon and played an important role in aiding the investigation of important conservation questions.

Artificial intelligence and chatbots

Professor Donald Hislop from the UoA Business School and Dr. Luciana Blaha from Heriot-Watt write about their research which has investigated how people interact with chatbots, and the many questions that still need to be answered if the use of this embryonic technology is to become widespread.

Understanding artificial intelligence using Netflix, Amazon and a slice of pizza

Professor Marie Johnston, Ella Howes and Eva Jermutus dissect the concept of artificial intelligence in accessible terms and ask to what extent we can trust it and whether or not we can we trust AI to get things right when it really matters.

News & Media

Interdisciplinary Research Fellows - Data & AI

Milan Markovic

William Harcourt

Explore our Research

Our interdisciplinary challenges

Our interdisciplinary challenges represent research areas of historic and emerging excellence that are capable of supporting a diverse research portfolio and delivering globally excellent and measurable benefits to society, the economy and health. Explore how we are working towards a brighter future, while actively supporting the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

Energy Transition

For more than 40 years we've combined our academic excellence with industry expertise, to innovate and positively affect the future of global energy.

Social Inclusion and Cultural Diversity

In a rapidly changing world, we aim to be open to other perspectives and understand how culture and diversity shape human experience.

Environment and Biodiversity

By making the most of our proximity to nature, our researchers are addressing major environmental challenges both close to home and far afield.

Data and Artificial Intelligence

We have carried out research in data science and AI for more than 30 years, discovering new ways to improve health and daily life with this technology.

Health, Nutrition and Wellbeing

Our interdisciplinary strengths, healthcare expertise and industry collaborations underpin our commitment to addressing major health challenges with our research.

Data and Artificial Intelligence