Professor Carmine Ventre has been appointed as the Interim Director of the King’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence. Taking up the post from 1 September 2023, he will lead the Institute, whilst recruitment takes place for a successor as Director. Current Director, Professor Michael Luck, will take up the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost of the University of Sussex in the autumn.
Carmine is a Professor of Computer Science in the Department of Informatics and Chair in Computational Finance in the Finance Hub, which carries out fundamental and applied research in computational finance and economics alongside research and industry partners. Professor Ventre’s research interests include algorithmic game theory, microeconomics and the internet, algorithmic trading and finance and cryptography and security.
Professor Carmine Ventre said:
“I am honoured and excited to take on this role at such a momentous time for artificial intelligence. The remarkable progress we’re witnessing, in terms of both rapid advancements and groundbreaking technical achievements, is exciting.
“We will build on Michael's work and affirm the role of the Institute as a hub for a vibrant and inclusive interdisciplinary community. King's world-leading researchers will unlock the potential of this transformative technology, advance knowledge and shape a future where innovation and ethical AI practices converge. Together, we will ensure that AI serves as a force for good in a rapidly evolving world.”
Launched in 2022, the King’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence brings together the diverse and growing community in AI at King’s. It aims to support and promote the breadth of AI activity across the university, in both research and education, inviting students and academics to contribute to scientific and technological developments, as well as to legal, societal and ethical studies. It also engages with policymakers and the general public to provide a transparent, scientific analysis of developments that affect our lives, now and in the future.
Professor Bashir M. Al-Hashimi, Vice President (Research & Innovation) at King’s, said:
Running from 2 May to 30 June the Institute is hosting a new exhibition in the Arcade in Bush House. Bringing the Human to the Artificial showcases cutting-edge research from across the university exploring the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on different aspects of our lives. Alongside this, sees the first King's Festival of Artificial Intelligence, a five-day series of events between 24 and 28 May dedicated to exploring the latest developments in AI and their societal impact.
At the end of March, King’s through the Institute for AI was accepted into the new Turing University Network. Alongside 36 other universities, this will see King’s benefit from the Institute’s higher education, industry and government partners – all working to generate real-world impact through data science and AI research. Professor Yulan He from the Department of Informatics has been appointed as Academic Liaison lead for the Network. She will be working closely with Carmine Ventre and the Institute for AI's Steering Group to explore how to develop the relationship and maximise its value to King’s staff and students.
