UCL partners with Google DeepMind to create a new AI curriculum aiming to ‘democratize’ access to education

UCL has partnered with Google DeepMind to create a new AI curriculum designed to equip researchers with a deep understanding of generative AI and LLMs.

AI Research Foundations, which launched this week, is designed to address regional barriers in access to education and training in AI skills.

Aimed at undergraduate students and early career researchers, the curriculum aims to equip learners with AI research skills that could help address research challenges. It combines Google DeepMind’s expertise in AI research with UCL’s academic excellence in engineering education and online pedagogy.

“This project reflects UCL’s commitment to widening access to world-leading research and innovation in AI,” explains Professor John Mitchell, Co-director of UCL’s Centre for Engineering Education. 

“By working with Google DeepMind and African academic collaborators, we have co-created a curriculum that not only teaches the foundations of machine learning but also ensures that learners can apply these skills to drive positive social impact in their own Communities.”

Ulrich Paquet, Research Scientist at Google DeepMind, Director of AIMS South Africa and Co-founder of Deep Learning Indaba, adds: “AI is an exciting, scientifically rich discipline, holding enormous potential to help communities tackle the research challenges that matter most to them. However, without broadening participation in advanced AI education, we risk missing out on pioneering research and groundbreaking innovation. 

“We built AI Research Foundations in consultation with lecturers, students and grassroots AI communities. With practical exercises and a focus on responsible AI techniques, this curriculum gives budding AI researchers the tools to push the field forward.”

AI Research Foundations is now available for educators across the world on the Google Cloud Skills Boost platform. Universities and charities can register their learners for access to the online curriculum through Google Skills.