Government and Academia Unite to Tackle AI Security Challenges

Oxford University Launches Cutting-Edge AI Security Laboratory

The Laboratory for AI Security Research (LASR) is a collaboration between the University of Oxford, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT), the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), Plexal, The Alan Turing Institute, and Queen's University Belfast. The University of Oxford's Departments involved in this initiative include the Department of Computer Science, the Department of Engineering Science, the Mathematical Institute, the Department of Physics, and the Department of Statistics.

At the NATO Cyber Defence Conference, it was announced that LASR would bring together industry, academic, and government experts to enhance Britain's cyber resilience and drive growth. Researchers from Oxford's MPLS Division and the Global Cyber Security Capacity Centre will collaborate with government agencies, institutions, and commercial stakeholders. LASR aims to address emerging AI security challenges through a comprehensive, strategic approach. Professor James Naismith, Head of the MPLS Division, stated that LASR represents a key collaboration between Oxford and the government to understand the security and reliability of emerging AI systems. Oxford will take a multidisciplinary approach, with five MPLS departments supporting ten doctoral students focused on AI and Machine Learning security. The Global Cyber Security Capacity Centre will study emerging risks, particularly in AI supply chains and national cybersecurity preparedness.

Professor David De Roure, LASR Academic Director at Oxford, expressed excitement about building a team of DPhil students to research critical future areas. He noted that the project builds on Oxford's previous work in cybersecurity and AI and aims to create a collaborative research center to address emerging challenges. The laboratory will use a catalytic funding model, with government investment expected to attract industry participation. This partnership reflects Oxford's tradition of blending academic excellence with practical innovation and strengthening ties with leading research centers.

Professor Sadie Creese, Director of the Global Cyber Security Capacity Centre, highlighted the importance of LASR, given the growing need to understand the intersection of AI and cybersecurity. She noted Oxford’s expertise in pioneering frameworks and emphasized their focus on researching AI supply chain risks and national AI cybersecurity readiness. Together, they aim to ensure that AI technologies are transformative and secure. The Laboratory for AI Security Research (LASR) represents a significant step forward in addressing the emerging challenges of AI security such as AI supply chain risks and national cybersecurity readiness. LASR will undoubtedly shape a secure and resilient future for AI technologies.

Editor's Note:

The Laboratory for AI Security Research (LASR) marks a significant step in AI and cybersecurity. This collaborative effort between the University of Oxford and various governmental and industry partners aims to address emerging AI security challenges. LASR will enhance Britain's cyber resilience and drive growth by combining expertise from multiple fields. The project focuses on AI supply chain risks and national cybersecurity preparedness, ensuring that AI technologies remain secure. This initiative underscores Oxford's commitment to blending academic excellence with practical innovation, setting a benchmark for future collaborations in AI security. 

Skoobuzz appreciates the efforts of LASR and anticipates that it will undoubtedly shape a more resilient and secure technological landscape for the future.