AI for UnlockINg DaTasEts foR BiodiVersity AssEssmeNt and PrEdiction (AI-INTERVENE)

Biodiversity data assessment and prediction is absolutely critical for the effective design and uptake of nature-based solutions in the UK and globally. Next generation biodiversity data assessment and prediction will be transformational in our ability to understand how and why biodiversity is changing. Without this, we will continue to be exposed to significant risks associated with biodiversity loss, and considerable uncertainties will remain in the effectiveness of nature-based solutions. AI-INTERVENE’s vision is to produce a new generation of AI-empowered data scientists equipped with the required AI expertise, data science tools, ecological knowledge and wider interdisciplinary skillset needed to unlock the full potential of the wealth of existing as well as emerging sources of biodiversity data. Within a highly innovative and transformational framework of training, co-designed and co-delivered with an outstanding set of partners, AI-INTERVENE will enable a cadre of curious, enabled and resourced PhD graduates to apply state-of-the-art AI theory, methods and models to explore and embed the actionable knowledge and insights obtained from the data to address NERC focused science questions and real-world problems. Furthermore, graduates will build and share tools to enable our partners to make informed data-driven decision making to tackle the biodiversity crisis. AI-INTERVENE is led by an exemplary team from the University of Reading (UoR) and University College London (UCL) as hosting partners, alongside Natural History Museum (NHM), Zoological Society of London (ZSL), Royal Botanic Gardens Kew (Kew) and UK Centre for Hydrology and Ecology (UKCEH). AI-INTERVENE will materialize the overarching vision through the accomplishment of five key objectives: To train 35 AI-INTERVENE global leaders from the UK and internationally; To create a world-leading research nexus in AI at the interdisciplinary interface between AI and data science, biodiversity research and wider environmental studies; Through an “AI-INTERVENE” Academy, deliver future-facing and deeply interdisciplinary graduate training, co-designed and implemented with our partners, within an innovative cohort environment; To embed exemplary Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) principles and set the highest standards of sustainable environment and responsible innovation at all levels of AI-INTERVENE; To create a sustainable legacy of AI-INTERVENE by building a global network of data scientists, policy specialists, and biodiversity experts to empower our graduates to enact measurable change. AI-INTERVENE students will receive innovative cohort-based PhD training in generic and bespoke advanced data science, AI skills, and biodiversity inference tools, as well as wider interdisciplinary skills, to tackle these challenges. Students will apply state-of-the-art AI theory, methods and models and tackle real world projects in biodiversity assessment and prediction, co-created and co-supervised with our diverse range of interdisciplinary partners. Moreover, students will evaluate the impact of their solutions, including on policy where relevant. AI-INTERVENE students will publish their project results, data and software in high impact venues and convey their research to a wide audience. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Responsible AI and Environmental Sustainability are at the centre's core. Students will be equipped with skills in entrepreneurship and commercialisation to fully take up opportunities stemming from their research and innovation. AI-INTERVENE students will graduate with substantial, interdisciplinary experience in applying cutting-edge AI responsibly to challenging and urgent biodiversity challenges, and will have developed the teamwork, communication, management and leadership skills needed for a successful career.