We’ve launched a new two-year plan to help support the safe and trusted use of artificial intelligence (AI) in health and social care research across the UK.
The plan sets out how the HRA, working with partners in the devolved governments, will help researchers use AI and other new technologies in ways that improve care, while maintaining public trust and protecting participants.
Earlier this year, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, and the Secretary of State for Business and Trade and President of the Board of Trade set us a challenge. In a joint letter, they asked us to publish a plan by the end of this month, with more information about the work we’re doing and have committed to do to help enable safe AI-powered innovation.
The plan supports our strategy, which includes a commitment to helping researchers carry out research in new ways using technologies such as AI. By the end of the strategy in 2028, we have committed to ensure that we are clear how we support researchers to use new technologies and data to plan and do research, and to research the use of new approaches and technologies in care, in line with the government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan.
As part of the work to develop our plan, colleagues explored where the HRA can make the biggest difference over the next two years, and agreed 3 priority areas for action, focused on supporting safe innovation, improving clarity for researchers, and helping ensure public confidence in the use of AI in research.
The priorities are designed to support research across all four nations of the UK.
Matt Westmore, Chief Executive"AI has huge potential to improve health and social care research and, ultimately, patient care. Our role is to help create the right environment for innovation to happen safely, responsibly and in ways that people can trust.
This plan sets out practical steps we can take over the next 2 years to support researchers using AI and new technologies, while keeping the interests of patients and the public at the centre of research."