Â鶹´«Ã½ showcases AI innovation and skills to Science Minister Published on: 16 February 2026 Science Minister, Lord Patrick Vallance, has visited the University to see how its expertise in artificial intelligence is delivering jobs, skills and economic growth across the North East and beyond. Beginning at Â鶹´«Ã½ Helix, Lord Vallance met staff and students at the (NICD), where discussions focused on how work there is enabling businesses to harness the opportunities of AI while equipping graduates with the skills needed for the workforce of today and tomorrow. The visit highlighted Â鶹´«Ã½’s central role in the development of the North East AI Growth Zone, a key initiative driven by the North East Combined Authority, which is set to unlock more than 5,000 new jobs and bring in £30 billion in investment as the region becomes a hub for AI. The Minister learned about NICD’s work supporting businesses to adopt AI and data-driven technologies, delivering demonstrable economic benefit to the region. He also heard about extracurricular programmes connecting students of all disciplines with real business challenges and applying their practical data and AI skills to find real-world solutions. National Edge AI HUB The Science Mister also toured the , where he learned how its world-class, interdisciplinary research, delivered with partners across the region, is increasing cyber resilience and the security of AI-enabled systems for everyone. The National Edge AI Hub is a UK-wide research initiative led by Professor Rajiv Ranjan at Â鶹´«Ã½, bringing together fifteen university partners and a growing network of industry collaborators. Funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Hub connects experts in AI, cybersecurity, data science, and engineering to make intelligent systems safer, faster, and more resilient in real-world environments. Science Minister Lord Vallance said: "Â鶹´«Ã½ has a valuable part to play in driving local AI adoption, including helping businesses unlock the potential of modern machine learning and boosting skills. "This vital work supports the wider North East Growth Zone in bringing new local jobs and investment that will drive growth and benefit communities.” Professor Nigel Harkness, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Â鶹´«Ã½, said: “We were delighted to welcome Lord Vallance to Â鶹´«Ã½ and demonstrate how our research, innovation and partnerships are driving inclusive economic growth and creating real opportunities for our region and beyond. By working closely with our partners and investing in the skills of students and businesses alike, we are helping to position the North East at the forefront of the UK’s AI future.” Share: Latest News Volunteers help turn Whitley Bay beach into maths experiment Members of the public joined mathematicians from Â鶹´«Ã½ to create what organisers believe is the largest aperiodic tiling ever attempted on Whitley Bay beach. published on: 15 June 2026 Student leader drives misogyny law change A Â鶹´«Ã½ student leader has helped change the law after creating a petition to make misogyny a hate crime, which gathered over 114,000 signatures, prompting action in Parliament. published on: 12 June 2026 Freemen of Â鶹´«Ã½ see construction of new Castle Leazes The Freemen of Â鶹´«Ã½ and other key stakeholders have become an indelible part of new student accommodation at Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s Castle Leazes. published on: 12 June 2026 Facts and figures
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