UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has launched it first AI Strategy, with a plan to make AI deliver for the UK's science and research efforts.

As part of the plan, AI will be put to work to transform cutting-edge research into innovations.

In the recent Spending Review settlement, UKRI committed a record £1.6 billion of funding directly targeted at the AI sector over the next for years. This includes funding for specific activity that UKRI will deliver on behalf of  the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

Thanks to the strategy, researchers and businesses across the UK will benefit from better access to the right tools, training and infrastructure to unlock new growth across the UK.

The strategy also commits to expanding doctoral and fellowship routes co-designed with businesses.

UK AI Minister Kanishka Narayan said: "The potential of combining our AI expertise with our peerless R&D community is a game-changer. This plan will harness AI to accelerate both the pace and possibility of scientific endeavour.

"We are already seeing AI change the game for what’s possible in fields from health, to energy, and beyond. Boldly backing this technology is how we push our Great British innovators to further success, and build a path to breakthroughs that boost our health, wealth, and wellbeing."

Professor Charlotte Deane, Senior Responsible Owner for the UKRI AI Programme and Executive Chair of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, said: "The UK has deep strengths in AI. From the country of Alan Turing and Ada Lovelace, we have a world-class tradition in mathematics and computer science. This strategy will turn that research excellence into national advantage.

"To do that, we must make bold choices in areas where the UK can genuinely lead the world. UKRI will play a central role in backing the full innovation pathway from fundamental research to prototypes to scale-up.

"By uniting universities, businesses, industry and government we can unlock the potential we have long had but have not yet fully mobilised."