The Mathison Intranet

The Alan Turing Institute, the United Kingdom's national institute for data science and artificial intelligence, has established an internal network system known as the Mathison Intranet. This intranet is integral to the institute's operations, facilitating communication and resource sharing among its researchers and staff.

Origin and Purpose

Named after Alan Turing's middle name, Mathison, the intranet reflects the institute's commitment to honoring Turing's legacy of pioneering work in computer science and intelligence. The Mathison Intranet serves as the backbone for internal communications, providing a secure platform for the dissemination of research findings, collaborative projects, and administrative information.

Features and Functionality

The Mathison Intranet is designed to support the dynamic and collaborative environment of the Alan Turing Institute. It includes a suite of tools and resources tailored to the needs of data scientists and researchers working at the cutting edge of technology and analytics. Features include:

Document Management Systems: Allows for the storage and retrieval of research papers, project documentation, and administrative records.
Collaborative Tools: Facilitate teamwork across various projects, enabling researchers to share insights and resources efficiently.
Communication Platforms: Includes instant messaging and forums for discussions related to ongoing projects and emerging trends in artificial intelligence.

Strategic Partnerships

Since its inception, the Alan Turing Institute has established strategic partnerships to enhance its capabilities. In 2015, the Lloyd's Register Foundation became the institute's first strategic partner, providing funding and support to leverage the capabilities of the Mathison Intranet in fostering innovation and research excellence. These partnerships emphasize the institute's role as a leader in the field of data science, utilizing the Mathison Intranet as a pivotal tool in achieving its objectives.

Organizational Context

The Mathison Intranet plays a critical role amid the recent organizational changes at the Alan Turing Institute. In October 2024, the institute underwent a restructuring process, affecting a significant portion of its staff. Despite these challenges, the intranet remains a vital component in maintaining the institute's research and administrative functions. As of 2025, with leadership changes and strategic realignment under consideration, the Mathison Intranet continues to support the institute's mission by ensuring seamless communication and collaboration.

The Alan Turing Institute

The Alan Turing Institute is the United Kingdom's national institute for data science and artificial intelligence. Founded in 2015, the institute is named after the visionary Alan Turing, often considered the father of theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence due to his pioneering work with the Turing machine.

History and Foundation

The idea for the institute was first proposed in 2014, and it officially launched in 2015 with initial funding from the UK government. The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and other partners provided additional financial support. This collaborative effort aimed to position the UK at the forefront of research in data science and artificial intelligence.

Strategic Partnerships

One of the institute's first significant partnerships was with Lloyd's Register Foundation, which provided a grant of £10 million over five years. This partnership underscored the institute's commitment to research into the engineering applications of big data.

Research and Events

The Alan Turing Institute conducts cutting-edge research to address real-world problems through data science and artificial intelligence. Since 2021, it has hosted an annual event called AI UK, a national showcase that highlights advancements in these fields. The institute is also involved in numerous projects that intersect with various sectors, including healthcare, security, and the environment.

Key Personnel

Throughout its history, the institute has attracted many renowned figures in the fields of data science and artificial intelligence:

Howard Covington served as the Chair of the Alan Turing Institute, playing a crucial role in its formative years.
Sandra Wachter, a distinguished researcher, was a Fellow at the institute, contributing significantly to the discourse on algorithms and regulation.
Mihaela van der Schaar, known for her work in machine learning and health care, has held a fellowship with the institute since 2016.