Get free Science updates delivered to your inbox. Every morning, our myFT Daily Digest email will provide a roundup of the latest Science news. The UK Advanced Research and Invention Agency (Aria), a new government agency aiming to revolutionize science through high-risk, high-reward research, is emerging from stealth mode with the ambition of making a “world-changing impact.” Ilan Gur, the agency’s CEO, outlined plans for Aria to invest in breakthrough technologies in various fields, including artificial intelligence, computing, neuroscience, and materials science.
Gur emphasized that the success of Aria will largely depend on its eight newly appointed programme directors who will select and fund projects, each with a budget of approximately £50mn. He expressed confidence in their ability to take bold and innovative approaches, stating that Aria has the potential to create something that will have a lasting impact on future generations.
Inspired by successful US agencies like the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (Darpa) and the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (Arpa-E), Aria aims to replicate their achievements in developing key technologies and breakthrough innovations. Gur expressed his excitement about the high caliber of candidates who have responded to Aria’s call and the diverse backgrounds they bring to the agency.
Aria plans to fund projects across the science, technology, and engineering domains, collaborating with researchers and engineers from universities, public laboratories, start-ups, and large companies across the UK. The agency is also considering alternative computing technologies for artificial intelligence, exploring ways to move beyond silicon semiconductors and towards more efficient and nature-inspired computing methods.
While Aria has been linked to Dominic Cummings, the former chief adviser to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Gur stated that he had limited knowledge of Cummings and has not been in contact with him. He acknowledged that the government and Aria’s founding team have faced criticism for the agency’s delayed launch but emphasized the importance of taking the time to establish Aria properly.
Aria’s initial budget of £200mn per year may appear small compared to US counterparts such as Arpa-E and Darpa. Nevertheless, Gur believes that Aria, as a catalyst, will have sufficient funds to make a significant impact. He sees Aria’s role as magnifying and amplifying the UK’s existing scientific and engineering assets, aiming for long-term results that demonstrate the agency’s effectiveness.
Gur’s personal vision for Aria is for it to enable the creation of a powerful new industry in the UK by catalyzing technological advancements, benefiting generations to come. As a foreign national who recently moved to the UK, Gur brings a wealth of experience from the US, including his time at Arpa-E and his successful ventures in the technology sector.
In conclusion, Aria is an innovative government agency poised to transform science through high-risk, high-reward research. With a focus on breakthrough technologies and a team of talented programme directors, Aria aims to have a lasting impact on future generations. By drawing inspiration from successful US agencies, Aria seeks to replicate their achievements and develop key technologies in various fields. With its initial budget, Aria plans to magnify the UK’s scientific and engineering potential, ultimately leading to powerful new industries enabled by Aria’s catalytic role.
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