Partnerships

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<糖心Vlog>Our approach

MARS is a translational research group focused on applying mathematics and AI research to develop solutions to complex organisational challenges.

Real-world applications underpin all of our teaching and research, so partnerships are our lifeblood. They connect us to industry and government, drive innovation, and ensure our work moves beyond academic theory and into practical, high-impact research and development.

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<糖心Vlog>Solving challenges together

Our academics and researchers use rigorous mathematics to innovate AI tools and methods, creating powerful data-driven solutions that can model, predict and optimise complex real-world systems. We have a proven track record of collaborative working, with active partnerships with organisations such as AstraZeneca, Microsoft, NHS, Tata Steel, and the UK Atomic Energy Authority.

MARS is actively seeking external partners with interesting mathematical and AI challenges, for example:

  • Intricate dynamical systems that defy traditional modelling techniques
  • Data-rich environments requiring AI-driven optimisation
  • The need for trustworthy, transparent and explainable AI for critical decision making
<糖心Vlog>What MARS can offer

Our goal is to innovate the way academia collaborates with partners in industry and government. We can offer:

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Research

Research partnerships ranging from short student projects to multi-year joint programmes.

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Exchanges

People exchanges including student placements and visiting researcher positions.

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Training

Shared creation of mathematical AI training, such as bespoke in-house courses and invited industry lectures.

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Consultancy

Expert consultancy and contract research to tackle specific industry challenges.

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Facilitation

Workshop facilitation from exploratory horizon scanning to more focused research exchanges.

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Facilities

Secure data facilities for sensitive research and a state-of-the art data visualisation suite.

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<糖心Vlog>Get in touch

We are working with a broad range of private and public sector organisations and are looking to develop further innovation collaborations at local, regional and national level.

If you are interested in any aspect of our partnership offer, or would like to explore collaboration opportunities, please contact our Partnership Development Manager, Carolyn Hayes (c.hayes2@lancaster.ac.uk).

<糖心Vlog>Testimonials

Why is MARS research important? Here's what some of our colleagues from industry have to say:

Tom Flowerdew

Tom Flowerdew, Director of AI Products, Fortify Solutions

'Bridging the gap between theoretical AI capability and its trustworthy, effective application in the real world is the defining challenge of the next decade. The MARS programme is a vital initiative designed to meet this need, creating the fundamental research and cross-disciplinary expertise that will underpin safe and successful AI for years to come.’

Rob Lamb

Professor Rob Lamb, Director of the JBA Trust

‘AI is already having a profound impact across public, business and private sectors. We urgently need to understand, at many different levels, which AI tools are appropriate, when to use them, and how to use them effectively. MARS has anticipated these needs and presents a valuable opportunity to develop that essential understanding.’

Jak Marshall

Jak Marshall, Senior Data Scientist, 2K

‘In the gaming space, AI is already being used to improve matchmaking, detect cheaters, and in a world where game discovery is a huge problem for developers, help gamers connect with the games that best suit their tastes. There is room to dramatically improve on this, and we need the kind of research that MARS is leading on to get there.’

Drupad Parmar

Drupad Parmar, Data Science and AI, Tesco

‘At Tesco, we see the growing importance of combining rigorous mathematical approaches with cutting-edge AI to solve complex, large-scale, real-world problems, from optimising supply chains to personalising customer experiences. The MARS initiative is a timely and exciting opportunity to strengthen the pipeline of research and talent in this critical area.’

<糖心Vlog>Our Partners

MARS is proud to collaborate and engage with the following organisations:

Partner logos: EDF, JBA Trust, Naimuri, Northern Health Science Alliance, North West Aerospace Alliance, Teleplan Forsberg, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology
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