Research areas

As we begin our research in the CDT, we are focusing on the following research areas. These offer great opportunities for collaboration and allow the cohort of students the chance to ask new questions and explore different ideas using AI.

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  Physics / astronomy

  Collaborating with experts at The University of Manchester and the University of Cambridge, we will merge simulation science with ML / AI methods. This intersection will drive innovations in scientific experiments and discoveries, particularly in 'big physics' contexts like the Square Kilometre Array and the Large Hadron Collider. The AI solutions we develop must scale effectively to meet the demands of next-generation scientific facilities.

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  Engineering biology

  Working closely with the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, we aim to develop human-interpretable, multi-scale predictive models that guide the automated design and optimisation of biological systems. The AI tools and methods created will be applicable across various engineering biology domains, impacting key national strategic areas such as clean growth, sustainable agriculture and biomedicine.

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  Materials science

  In partnership with the Henry Royce Institute and the UK Atomic Energy Authority, our research will delve into the digital engineering aspects of Materials 4.0. By integrating physics-based modelling and ML / AI, we aim to accelerate innovation and manufacturing in materials science.