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Dstl and Microsoft Collaborate to Drive Responsible AI Adoption

Dstl and Microsoft Collaborate to Drive Responsible AI Adoption

Lion Herald Newsletter | Issue #16 - Wednesday / November 2, 2023 | Lincoln, UK

November 08, 2023

Dear Lion Herald Reader,

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) announced today a partnership with Microsoft to advance the secure and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI). This collaborative effort, though not a formal contract, zeroes in on crucial areas: innovation, knowledge exchange, and technical expertise. The primary objective is to bolster collaboration among AI experts from Dstl and Microsoft while adhering to the Ministry of Defence's ethical AI principles.

Microsoft's role in this initiative is multifaceted. They will actively support Dstl and the Ministry of Defence's Defence AI Centre (DAIC) in their AI learning endeavors. This will encompass providing early access to pertinent software engineering roadmaps, with a special emphasis on sharing emerging AI capabilities. In a bid to identify joint defense projects, both Dstl and DAIC will share their AI concept playbook with Microsoft.

Professor Steven Meers, Dstl's lead for AI and Data Science, underlines the significance of this collaboration: "AI holds a pivotal role in our defense strategy, and partnering with industry leaders like Microsoft is pivotal in ensuring our Armed Forces have access to secure and responsible AI systems. The fast-paced nature of AI technology necessitates a joint effort, bringing together Dstl's technical expertise and Microsoft's capabilities to address various challenges and expedite AI adoption within the MOD."

This collaboration is poised to leverage science and technology as a strategic advantage for the UK, ensuring that Armed Forces can swiftly and effectively respond to emerging threats while upholding safety and security standards.

Thanks for reading!

Fabrice Iranzi, Editor in Chief, Lion Herald

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