Overview
At the heart of the University of Essex’s mission to shape a smarter, safer, and more connected world is the Institute for Analytics and Data Science (IADS). Drawing on deep expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and cybersecurity, IADS works with businesses, government, and communities to tackle real-world challenges – from digital resilience and logistics safety to improving public services and business performance.
The Challenge
Across every sector, organisations are grappling with how to harness the power of AI and data responsibly while staying secure in an increasingly digital world. From protecting critical infrastructure to making transport networks more efficient and public services smarter, the challenge is to translate cutting-edge research into trusted, practical solutions that deliver economic and social value.
Partnerships
IADS is driving forward a growing network of partnerships across the East of England and beyond.
- Through the Cyber Innovate to Elevate (CItE) programme, funded by Innovate UK’s Cyber Local initiative, Essex and Freeport East are supporting up to 15 small businesses to strengthen cybersecurity and explore the use of AI in digital risk management.
- IADS is also a key academic partner in PALLETS, a £1 million UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)-funded project led by Cambridge-based RoboK, developing an industry-first AI safety and efficiency system for UK ports and warehouses in collaboration with Freeport East, The Finishing Line, and major UK ports including Dover and Bristol.
- IADS also participated in the region’s first AI Summit organised by the University of Essex to bring together councils, emergency services, the NHS, and businesses to explore how data and AI can transform local services and communities.
Research
Led by Professor Haris Mouratidis, IADS brings together over 20 leading academics working across analytics and data science, AI and games, natural language processing, computational finance, and future health technologies. Research spans projects improving hospital scheduling, predicting crop yields, and developing new AI systems for logistics and industrial safety.
Impact
Through its partnerships, IADS is helping SMEs build cyber resilience, supporting local authorities to deliver better public services, and enabling ports and logistics firms to deploy safe, trustworthy AI. By connecting academic expertise with industry and government, the Institute is placing Essex and the wider region at the forefront of the UK’s data and AI revolution.
