More than 90 staff members at the UK’s Alan Turing Institute (ATI) have expressed concerns over the institute’s future, citing leadership issues and a cost-cutting program that threatens its scientific credibility. In a letter to the board of trustees, employees warned that a redundancy plan, potentially affecting 140 of the institute’s 440 staff, could jeopardize its standing as a leading scientific organization.

The letter also criticized recent employee departures, including two senior directors of science and innovation, which ATI confirmed. Staff highlighted that ATI was falling behind in AI research, with the sector rapidly advancing while the institute struggled to keep pace. Concerns were also raised about the institute’s ability to meet its contractual commitments, with multiple grant opportunities recently lost due to ATI’s performance issues.

Founded in 2015, ATI was initially focused on data science before adding AI to its remit in 2017. It aims to drive world-class research and apply it to global challenges. Despite securing £100m in government funding, staff believe the institute’s ability to secure future funding could be at risk if performance does not improve.

The board of trustees has been urged to hold ATI’s leadership accountable to avoid a “serious and public failure.” In response, ATI’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to an ambitious strategy, Turing 2.0, focusing on health, environment, and security, with significant partnerships already underway.