AMD & Imperial College London: Advancing Healthcare AI

AMD and Imperial College London have partnered to propel AI-enabled scientific discovery, establish robust sovereign AI infrastructure and develop next-generation high-performance computing (HPC) systems within the UK.

By combining AMD’s deep expertise in accelerated computing and open software with Imperial’s world-class proficiency in science, engineering and healthcare research, the two organisations intend to pioneer innovative approaches to solving some of the world's most intricate scientific problems.

"AI and accelerated computing are transforming how researchers solve complex problems and turn discoveries into real-world impact," says Dr. Lisa Su, CEO and Chair at AMD. 

"By combining AMD leadership AI and HPC platforms with Imperial’s globally recognised research and innovation ecosystem, we aim to help researchers tackle larger challenges, develop next-generation AI talent and advance open, interoperable sovereign AI infrastructure in the UK."

Accelerating cross-disciplinary scientific research

The joint venture is expected to accelerate advanced computational research across an array of vital scientific and engineering fields. 

The collaboration will explore complex data-intensive applications and scientific workflows, specifically targeting fields such as engineering design, multiphysics simulation and materials discovery. 

Additionally, the research will extend into critical environmental and biological areas, including climate and earth system modelling, neuroscience, brain imaging, epidemiology, biosecurity, genomics and computational biology.

To support these diverse research areas, AMD and Imperial intend to seek out opportunities to optimise various AI models directly on AMD compute platforms. This technical integration will heavily utilise AMD ROCm open software to streamline workflows and handle data-heavy applications efficiently, ensuring that researchers have the necessary computational frameworks to manage complex simulations.

Empowering talent and the UK innovation economy

Beyond academic research, the collaboration places a strong focus on education, workforce development and translational innovation programmes. 

These initiatives are designed to reinforce the wider UK AI ecosystem by offering direct opportunities to students, researchers, startups and innovators. 

Through a variety of structured activities, including workshops, seminars, internships, pilot programmes and industry engagements, participants will gain valuable access to advanced computing resources, technical expertise and software environments.

These developmental operations will be distributed across Imperial’s WestTech London innovation ecosystem. This extensive network encompasses several key campuses and hubs, including South Kensington, Paddington Life Sciences, the White City Innovation District and the Old Oak Innovation Cluster.

UK Science Minister Lord Vallance says: "This partnership between AMD and Imperial will combine world-class computing and AI expertise with engineering and research to help tackle some of the toughest challenges we face, from healthcare to our changing climate. 

“By backing discovery, skills and innovation here in the UK, it has the potential to improve lives, open up new opportunities for students and researchers and support the growth of businesses and jobs across the country."

Hugh Brady, President at Imperial College London says: "Imperial College London is committed to advancing world-leading research and innovation that delivers real-world impact.

"Working with AMD creates new opportunities to expand opportunities for researchers, students and innovators to access advanced AI and accelerated computing infrastructure working across scientific, engineering and healthcare disciplines."

Ultimately, the collaboration underscores a mutual dedication to enhancing the UK's sovereign AI capabilities.