Academy publishes new Whitehall AI primer
Members of the Erlangen AI Hub alongside colleagues from the Prob_AI Research Hub and INFORMED-AI Hub have made contributions to An excellent initiative from the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences, highlighting the critical role that mathematics plays in the structures of AI. The primer is directed particularly at civil servants grappling with the subject.
The primer ‘Mathematics in the age of AI’ provides an accessible introduction to many key topics shaping the future of AI, and can support analysts, policymakers, and decision-makers in government. In the words of Nigel Campbell, the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences Vice President and former Senior Civil Servant:
“As AI becomes increasingly important across the economy and public services, the need for strong mathematical capability will only grow. This primer makes clear that sustained investment in the mathematical sciences is not simply an investment in research, but an investment in the capabilities needed to realise the benefits of AI responsibly and effectively.”
As we noted on social media at publication date, strong mathematical foundations are indeed essential for developing robust, trustworthy systems. This primer picks out some of the key mathematical principles underpinning modern AI. It also shows how the mathematical sciences underpin modern AI and will determine the form and success of development in the future. The document also shows how any attempt to develop new algorithms and improve reliability will give the mathematical sciences a central role in AI progress. It explains how a strong mathematical ecosystem is essential to the UK’s
capacity to develop the next generation of AI and shows how our field will be essential in evaluating and deploying technologies in a responsible efficacious manner. It also makes the important point that only with sustained investment in education and research can the mathematical sciences achieve this goal.
It also showcases real life applications and sketches out the challenges ahead and is therefore a must read.