Gen AI Hub Announces New Co-Directors

Hub co-directors (L-R) Lourdes Agapito, Siddharth N and Magnus Rattray

The UK Generative AI Hub has announced a new leadership team, with Professor Lourdes Agapito, Professor Magnus Rattray and Dr Siddharth N appointed as co-directors.

The appointments follow Professor David Barber’s appointment as director of the new Science of Fundamental AI Research (SOFAIR) Lab. The Hub's funder, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), has approved the changes.

The new co-directors bring a wealth of expertise from across artificial intelligence, computer vision, computational biology and explainable AI.

Professor Lourdes Agapito is Professor of 3D Vision at University College London (UCL) and co-founder of Synthesia Technologies, a pioneering company in AI-generated media. Professor Magnus Rattray is Professor of Computational and Systems Biology at the University of Manchester, with extensive experience in machine learning and data-driven research. Dr Siddharth N is Reader in Explainable AI at the University of Edinburgh, where his work focuses on developing transparent, trustworthy and human-centred AI systems.

Together, they will lead the Hub through its next phase, helping to strengthen the UK's generative AI research community and build on the Hub's achievements to date.

Announcing the transition, Professor Barber said he was delighted to be handing over leadership to such an accomplished team.

"I am delighted to hand over to a leadership team with such extensive expertise and experience. I will continue to be involved with the Hub alongside my work with SOFAIR, working on collaborative projects that will help the Hub achieve its objectives."

Reflecting on his time as director, Professor Barber paid tribute to the many researchers, partners and stakeholders who have helped shape the Hub since its inception.

"It has been a great honour to serve as the first director of the Gen AI Hub. I have greatly enjoyed working with you all, including those who played a pivotal role in shaping the Hub's original vision and bid."

The Hub Operations Team is now working closely with the new leadership team as preparations begin for future activities.

The Gen AI Hub would like to thank Professor Barber for his leadership, vision and service as the Hub's founding director, and looks forward to working with the new co-directors.

You can find out more about our leadership team and investigators on our People Page.