But that wasn’t all. The University of Bristol initiative REASON Open Networks Project bagged AI Award for High Tech & Telecom, rounding off a successful night for colleagues in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.
From AI supercomputing to driving AI innovation within the telecom industry, responsible AI systems and interdisciplinary collaboration, the University’s contributions aim to set global benchmarks for academic institutions and business.
For over two decades, Bristol has remained at the forefront of AI advancements, consistently driving forward solutions that address pressing challenges in fields as diverse as climate research, robotics, and healthcare. From the creation of autonomous robots in the 1940s and one of the first MSc programs in machine learning in 1998, the University continues to shape the University’s leadership in AI research. This is most evident by the recent launch of Europe's most powerful supercomputer Isambard AI, backed by a £225m investment from the UK government.
Professor Judith Squires, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, said: “This award celebrates our remarkable strength in the field of AI.
“We are particularly proud to be delivering the UK’s national Artificial Intelligence Research Resource – Isambard-AI, ensuring that Bristol will play a vital role in the next surge of global technological discovery.
“When fully operational next year, Isambard-AI will be one of the most powerful and sustainable supercomputers for AI research anywhere in the world.
"The team is excited about the huge potential for scientific progress that this project represents: areas such as healthcare and robotics are expected to benefit hugely, and automated drug discovery and climate research should be accelerated.
“We also look forward to welcoming our first cohort onto our new undergraduate programmes next year.
“We’re very excited for what the future holds.”
Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research & Innovation for the Faculty of Science and Engineering Professor Annela Seddon attended the event and accepted the prize. She said: “We have a long history of AI research, innovation and education at the University of Bristol and we have always believed in the transformative power of AI to improve lives.
“At Bristol, we excel at connecting experts across disciplines—whether it’s working alongside our partners in government, industry, or civil society to co-create responsible and impactful AI solutions.
“These partnerships, and the ground-breaking research happening across our institutes and centres, demonstrate Bristol’s commitment to a more sustainable, prosperous, and inclusive future for all.”
Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement Professor Michele Acuto added: “This accolade rewards decades of pioneering research.
“A deep-rooted history of AI innovation has placed the University of Bristol at the forefront of international efforts to safeguard this technology to drive societal change for the better.
“We are tremendously proud of our colleagues.”
The project, Realising Enabling Architectures and Solutions for Open Networks (REASON) brings together the entire telecommunication R&D supply chain, to develop a roadmap for open 6G networks.
The project team meticulously crafted an award submission that showcased how the project is revolutionising network capabilities through cutting-edge AI applications, setting new standards for efficiency and performance in the sector.
Professor Dimitra Simeonidou, Director of the Smart Internet Lab, said: “AI will revolutionise future networks design, operations and service delivery.
“The DSIT funded REASON project is pioneering AI solutions for future networks and particularly 6G.
“Working in partnership across academia and industry we have demonstrated considerable leadership in the field.
“We are delighted and honoured that this leadership has been recognised with this National AI Award.”
Recently Bristol emerged as the fifth most AI-ready city in the UK, according to the SAS AI Cities Index 2024, which annually reveals the cities that are most likely to benefit from the growing appetite for AI.
The National AI Awards was launched to spotlight the remarkable advances and contributions in the field of artificial intelligence. Their mission is to honour the brilliant minds and innovative companies driving AI technology forward, making a profound impact across private and public sectors.