The University of Westminster has confirmed that the AI Network has supported or led eight external funding applications and secured two new industry partnerships, positioning the new research center as the center of excellence for artificial intelligence research across the university.
The Westminster AI Network operates as a university-wide research center that brings together academics, students and external partners on AI and data science. It is designed to coordinate cross-disciplinary projects and is aligned with the University’s broader research and knowledge exchange strategy in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Alexander Bolotov, Reader in Computer Science and Engineering and co-lead of the network, said: “The formal establishment of the Westminster AI Network in May was a recognition of one of Westminster’s research strengths. Our recent launch event demonstrated a very high level of engagement across all of Westminster’s universities and schools, attracting 81 participants. Additionally, this launch event was a collaboration between StarPal.AI and On the The two companies have begun working on joint applications for external funding. Overall, since July, Westminster AI Network has led, supported or partnered on eight applications for external funding.
Launch event highlight projects and contest entries
The launch event, held at the Marylebone campus on 22 October, featured research pitches from students and staff vying for internal support from the University of Westminster’s Office of Research and Knowledge Exchange. Selected proposals will be provided with guidance and resources to advance their project ideas.
A panel discussion chaired by computer science leader Dr. Barbara Villarini and computer science lecturer Dr. Tom Oliver examined trends in AI ethics, enterprise deployment, generative AI, creative computing, and cognitive science. Speakers focused on applied use cases and practical challenges rather than high-level concepts.
Invited panelist Edward Frank Morris, CEO and Lead Prompt Engineer at Enigmatica, said, “What impressed me after the event was that we weren’t just showing off innovation theater for applause, we were actually building it. “The real breakthrough comes when you realize that the tools don’t change the job, they change the worker.”
One of the project proposals came from computer science doctoral researchers Timur Martinez-Mukimov and Dr. Daphne Economou. Their proposal introduces a web-based immersive sign language platform that allows teachers to create custom sign language content, transform it into an interactive game, and receive performance feedback in real time. The project also compares different learning experiences to assess engagement, motivation, and outcomes in sign language education.
This announcement kickstarts planning for AI Research Showcase 2025, which will give researchers a space to present their ongoing work and explore collaboration opportunities. Westminster said the AI network will continue to align projects with sustainable development goals related to innovation, reducing inequality and partnerships.
