Birmingham BRC researcher to chair National AI Commission shaping the future of healthcare

Alastair Denniston, Professor of Regulatory Science and Innovation at the University of Birmingham and co-lead of the Data, Diagnostics and Decision Tools research theme at the NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, has been appointed Chair of the newly launched UK National Commission on the Regulation of AI in Healthcare. The Commission will play a pivotal role in accelerating the safe and effective use of artificial intelligence across the NHS, helping to shape a new regulatory framework that supports innovation while safeguarding patient safety.

“I’m honoured to be appointed Chair of the UK National Commission on the Regulation of AI in Healthcare. […] By bringing together diverse expertise we can build a regulatory framework for AI that is trusted by the public and health professionals, and delivers real benefits for patients.”

Professor Alastair Denniston, University of Birmingham

The Commission brings together experts from global tech firms, leading clinicians, researchers and patient advocates to advise the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on how to re-write the regulatory rulebook on AI in healthcare, which will be published next year. Its work will help ensure the UK becomes a global leader in responsible AI healthcare regulation.

The Commission will immediately begin reviewing AI technologies currently held back by regulatory uncertainty, such as AI assistants for clinicians that can reduce administrative burden and improve patient care. It will also provide regulatory clarity on AI tools such as those used in radiology, pathology, and remote monitoring to support virtual care of patients from their own homes.

As well as enabling the NHS to get quicker access to the latest AI tools, by providing regulatory clarity for new AI tools this approach will attract technology companies to invest in developing and using their latest innovations in the UK, driving forward the government’s plan to build an NHS fit for the future as part of the Plan for Change.

Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: “AI has incredible potential to help doctors spot and treat diseases earlier. But we need experts to come together so patients can benefit from these opportunities quickly and safely.

“This Commission will ensure the UK leads the way in making these game-changing technologies available in the safest possible way, helping more of us to lead healthy, longer lives and supporting our NHS.”

Professor Denniston, who also leads the UK’s Centre of Excellence for Regulatory Science in AI & Digital HealthTech (CERSI-AI) and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)-funded Incubator of AI & Digital Healthcare, said:

“I’m honoured to be appointed Chair of the UK National Commission on the Regulation of AI in Healthcare. The safe and effective use of AI in healthcare is one of the defining challenges – and opportunities – of our time.

“This Commission marks a vital step in ensuring the UK leads the way in responsible innovation, and in accelerating the availability of AI technologies that can support better health for everyone. By bringing together diverse expertise we can build a regulatory framework for AI that is trusted by the public and health professionals, and delivers real benefits for patients.”

Professor Neil Hanley, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Medicine and Health at the University of Birmingham, welcomed the appointment:

“I am thrilled by this news reinforcing Alastair’s global standing and hard work on this topic. His leadership of this national Commission is a privilege and duty, testament to the University of Birmingham’s outstanding reputation as a centre of excellence in AI and digital health.

“It’s fantastic to see our expertise recognised at the highest level for such a transformative topic that will shape the future of healthcare across the world.”