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Oxford and UBS Announce the Launch of the Oxford-UBS Centre for Applied AI
The University of Oxford and UBS have launched the Oxford-UBS Centre for Applied AI to drive cutting-edge AI research and real-world applications. The Centre will focus on AI’s impact on society, business, and emerging technologies. Led by the UBS Professor for Applied AI, the initiative will foster collaboration between academia and industry to pioneer innovative solutions across sectors.
The University of Oxford and UBS have joined forces to launch the Oxford-UBS Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI), a ground-breaking initiative that aims to drive cutting-edge research and innovation in the field of AI. The collaboration between one of the world’s leading universities and a global financial services institution promises to pave the way for pioneering research and practical applications of AI across multiple sectors, especially in business, society, and the economy.
The Oxford-UBS Centre for Applied AI is an interdisciplinary partnership designed to leverage the expertise of both institutions. The centre will focus on advancing AI research and its real-world applications, with researchers collaborating closely with UBS practitioners to turn academic findings into tangible solutions. This collaborative effort aims to explore the diverse ways AI can shape business practices, societal governance, and global economies.
The Centre’s research will be primarily divided into three key areas:
- AI and society: Exploring the governance of AI, its impact on the future of work, and its role in sustainable practices.
- AI for business and economy: Investigating AI's potential in driving innovation and transformation in business and economic ecosystems.
- AI futures: Studying emerging AI paradigms, model developments, and their applications in the future.
Leadership and research focus
A key feature of the partnership is the appointment of a newly endowed UBS Professor for Applied AI at Oxford Saïd Business School, who will lead the Centre’s research efforts. The Centre will be supported by a dedicated team of 20 researchers, all working towards advancing AI’s role in society and business. Their research will not only focus on AI's theoretical aspects but also aim to develop practical, scalable solutions to the challenges faced by businesses and governments today.
Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, expressed her excitement about the partnership, stating:
"It is wonderful to announce this exciting and important partnership that brings together one of the world’s leading universities with a globally leading financial services institution. This dynamic multidisciplinary partnership will lead to pioneering new AI research solutions and practical applications at a time of unprecedented technological change. We are grateful to UBS for their vision and support, enabling us to launch the Oxford-UBS Centre for Applied AI."
Impact on AI in business and financial services
The collaboration between Oxford and UBS highlights the transformative potential of AI in the financial services industry. UBS, a leader in wealth management, sees AI as a crucial tool for reshaping the future of financial services. Mike Dargan, UBS Group Chief Operations and Technology Officer, highlighted the significance of AI in driving change within the industry:
"AI represents a fundamental opportunity to change how we operate and create value for clients. We are delighted that UBS will be partnering with the University of Oxford to foster pioneering AI research and develop practical tools and solutions that can be implemented at scale across our firm, accelerating our journey to become a fully AI-enabled institution and shaping the future of financial services."
The partnership aligns with UBS’s broader vision of becoming an AI-enabled institution that can leverage technology to enhance client solutions and improve internal operations. By collaborating with Oxford, UBS hopes to accelerate its AI-driven transformation and provide clients with more personalised and efficient services.
About UBS
UBS is a leading and truly global wealth manager and the leading universal bank in Switzerland. It also provides diversified asset management solutions and focused investment banking capabilities. UBS manages 6.9 trillion dollars of invested assets as per third quarter 2025. UBS helps clients achieve their financial goals through personalized advice, solutions and products. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, the firm is operating in more than 50 markets around the globe. UBS Group shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
About Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division
The MPLS Division is home to the non-medical sciences at the University of Oxford. Its nine academic departments span the full spectrum of the mathematical, computational, physical, engineering and life sciences, carrying out world-leading research that ranges from fundamental discovery to cutting-edge applied work.
About Saïd Business School
Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford is a vibrant and innovative business school, embedded within a 900-year-old world leading university. They create programmes and ideas that have global impact and reach. They educate leaders, change makers and innovators across every industry and sector. Their groundbreaking research and exceptional teaching transforms individuals, who transform businesses, which transforms the world.
