Professor Alison Heppenstall, Dr Yiannis Giannakopoulos, and Dr Dezong Zhao are part of a new cohort of 51 Turing Fellows joining from universities and research centres across the UK.

The Turing Fellowship scheme aims to grow the data science and AI ecosystem in the UK by supporting, retaining, and developing the careers of the next generation of leading researchers, whilst contributing to the Turing’s overarching strategic goals.

Dr Giannakopoulos is a senior lecturer in algorithms and complexity at Glasgow’s School of Computing Science, whose research interests lie in the general area of algorithms, complexity, and optimisation.

Dr Zhao develops methodologies and toolkits for automation and autonomous systems. His research focuses on promoting the safety, trustworthiness, and efficiency of autonomous vehicles and robotics.

Professor Heppenstall’s research investigates the creation and adaption of AI and machine learning methods to spatio-temporal systems. She is also interested in the development of exascale computation for application to agent-based models in the social sciences.

Speaking on the appointments, Professor Mark Girolami, chief scientist at The Alan Turing Institute, said: “I’m delighted to welcome a new cohort of Turing Fellows, brought to us from across our University Network in recognition of their status as the next generation of world leading researchers in the data sciences, AI and related fields.

“I’m very much looking forward to seeing the immense value they will add to our diverse and vibrant science and innovation community, including playing a critical role in the delivery of the Turing’s strategy as we strive to change the world for the better through data science and AI.”

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The appointment of the three new Turing Fellows is the latest development in the University of Glasgow’s relationship with the AI and data science institute.

In April last year, the university was announced as one of the founding members of the Turing University Network, a new network of higher education institutions which will work to use data science and AI for social good.

In June 2023, Professor Dame Muffy Calder, head of the College of Science & Engineering, co-authored a Turing report on privacy intrusion and national security in the age of AI.

In September, Professor Mark Girolami attended the official opening of the university’s Centre for Data Science and AI, which brings together hundreds of academics from across its four colleges with the aim of tackling global grand challenges and creating a better future for all.