Matt Clifford MBE, chair of the UK's Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA), has today been appointed to advise the government as it establishes a taskforce on foundation models, the technology behind AI like ChatGPT, Google Bard and the anticipated GTP4.
The taskforce, announced as part of the Integrated Review, will bring together leading experts to help boost the UK's Foundation Model expertise and maintain its position as a world-leader in AI technology, ensuring that the benefits are harnessed to help grow our economy, create jobs, protect our security and benefit society.
They will report to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology.
One of its first priorities will be to apply its deep expertise and understanding of the AI sector, to present a clear mission focused on advancing the UK’s AI capability and Matt Clifford has agreed to advise ministers as the taskforce is established.
Tools like ChatGPT have taken AI into mainstream conversation and highlighted the powerful potential of Foundation Models, including Large Language Models. They offer a wide range of potential applications, from supporting healthcare to delivering personalised information from government services and enhancing economic security.
This follows the publication of the Government’s Science and Technology Framework last week, which identified AI as one of the critical technologies that the UK would rapidly pursue and advance.
Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said:
“In a world where information is power, foundation models are the key to unlocking the full potential of data and revolutionising our use of AI, as ChatGPT has shown. It will provide us with unparalleled insights into complex data sets, enabling smarter, data-driven decision making.
“With opportunity comes responsibility, so establishing a taskforce that brings together the very best in the sector will allow us to create a gold-standard global framework for the use of AI and drive the adoption of foundation models in a way that benefits our society and economy.
“Ultimately, AI is going to completely transform many aspects of our lives, from how we communicate and work to how we shop and travel, and I am determined to ensure UK is a world-leader, creating jobs, growing our economy, improving public services and ultimately lives.”