AI fellows: The UK Government is bringing leading British artificial intelligence experts into Whitehall to help modernise public services and strengthen national security
The initiative is designed to improve the speed, safety, and reliability of services people rely on every day, from transport infrastructure to public safety systems.
Backed by a $1 million investment from Meta and delivered through the Alan Turing Institute, a new cohort of AI fellows will spend the next year embedded within government.
Their work will focus on developing open-source tools to address ongoing challenges across public services while ensuring sensitive data remains protected.
AI solutions for transport and national security
One key area of focus is transport. AI fellows will develop advanced computer vision models capable of analysing images and video footage to help councils identify and prioritise infrastructure repairs more effectively.
This approach aims to improve road safety, reduce maintenance backlogs, and better utilise public funding.
National security and defence is another big part of the programme. Specialists will design AI systems that can operate offline or within secure networks, allowing teams to make critical decisions without exposing sensitive information. These tools are intended to support decision-making in high-risk environments while maintaining strict data security standards.
Supporting job seekers
In addition to the fellowship programme, the government has launched a new partnership with Anthropic to develop AI assistants tailored for public services. The first pilot will focus on job seekers, offering personalised career advice and support with finding employment.
The AI assistant will be entirely optional and is part of a broader plan to introduce AI agents into national government services. A pilot is expected to begin later this year, marking a significant step toward using AI to support people at key life moments.
By bringing in these AI experts, the UK Government is changing how it operates in a digital world.
Launched in January 2025, the government’s digital roadmap builds on the AI Opportunities Action Plan, aiming to bring the benefits of emerging technologies directly to frontline public services.
At the start of 2026, the government also announced the creation of CustomerFirst, a new team within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology focused on tackling long wait times, repetitive paperwork, and outdated processes. By combining public-sector reform with private-sector expertise, the initiative aims to make government services simpler, faster, and more user-friendly.
Minister for Data and Modern Digital Government, Ian Murray said:
“A digital world needs a modern, digital government. That is why we are enlisting the homegrown talent we already have to elevate our public services.”
“Having met the fellows I know they will play a pivotal role in re-wiring our healthcare, police, transport systems and more, to make sure hardworking people benefit from the opportunities that only technologies like AI can deliver.”
The AI fellowship programme brings together researchers and practitioners from leading UK universities and institutions, covering expertise spanning computer vision and robotics to trustworthy, safety-critical AI systems. By embedding this talent within government, the UK aims to build long-term capability rather than relying solely on external contractors.
