Lancaster University awarded £13m to develop next generation mathematics for AI

A major strategic investment at Lancaster University is set to transform research in the mathematics underpinning Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance the effectiveness of AI for solving real-world challenges across key sectors – including aerospace.

MARS: Mathematics for AI in Real-world Systems, which is funded by £13m from Research England, is a newly established centre for research and teaching driving innovation at the intersection of real-world systems modelling and machine learning. Through ten new academic appointments, supported by research fellows and PhD students, MARS is expanding the UK’s research capability in this rapidly advancing area.

By working closely with industry partners in the engineering, cyber security, environmental science and health sectors, MARS is spearheading the drive for regional economic growth, harnessing mathematical innovation to solve complex organisational challenges.

The aerospace sector stands to directly benefit from MARS expertise, particularly in areas such as the development of advanced mathematical techniques for stronger, more resilient materials, and cutting-edge machine learning tools that can accelerate scientific design and innovation processes.

MARS will also train the next-generation of industry-ready graduates in applied mathematics and AI methods through the introduction of new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, supporting the development of a new talent pipeline for local organisations.

We’re proud to announce that Dr Henry Moss has joined MARS as Senior Lecturer. Henry is an expert specializing in accelerating scientific design processes through using machine learning to help guide experimentation. With experience spanning from tech startups to academia, Henry has successfully collaborated with engineers at leading companies—including Boeing, Reaction Engines, Mazda, and the UK Atomic Energy Authority—to optimize sophisticated design challenges involving heat exchangers, electric motors, and critical components of fusion reactors. Henry currently leads a team focused on advancing and expediting complex engineering design workflow and is eager to explore how his expertise can similarly accelerate innovation within NWAA membership research and design initiatives.

To discuss how you could benefit from MARS please contact Carolyn Hayes, Partnership Development Manager c.hayes2@lancaster.ac.uk

Watch this space for further research updates and collaboration opportunities.