Birkbeck awarded £1.97m by OfS to create new Centre for Creative AI
The investment will enable Birkbeck to develop a Centre for Creative AI that enhances student learning and strengthens links with industry, while fostering critical and imaginative engagement with emerging technologies.
Birkbeck, University of London has been awarded £1,976,000 from the Office for Students (OfS) to establish a new Centre for Creative AI.
The Centre, which is scheduled to open on the ground floor of Birkbeck Central in summer 2026, will include purpose-designed spaces supporting students’ use of generative AI. It will encourage critical reflection as well as innovation, alongside digital content production and industry collaboration. Working closely with Birkbeck’s new Immersive Learning Centre, it will create opportunities for students to combine AI-driven creativity with cutting-edge immersive technologies, helping ensure that Birkbeck remains a sector leader in the use of technology to support teaching and learning.
The Centre for Creative AI will be equipped with high specification workstations and specialist software for experimentation with generative AI models and tools, a multifunction space with a large LED wall enabling student collaboration, presentations and demonstrations, and virtual production, and a sound proofed creative production suite for both video and podcast-based content creation and streaming.
The Centre will support students in digital media, film and related creative media programmes, while also being available to those studying science, business and social sciences. It is designed to help students build skills identified as priorities in the London Local Skills Improvement Plan, Skills England assessments and the Modern Industrial Strategy.
Importantly, the Centre will provide a space for questioning and critically assessing the cultural, social and ethical implications of AI, ensuring that technical skills are developed alongside informed perspectives. The new facilities will also provide opportunities for alumni and other professionals to take part in upskilling and training activity.
The award is part of the OfS allocation of £88.5 million to universities and colleges in England for 2025–26. Birkbeck is one of 60 institutions to receive funding following a competitive bidding process that required proposals to align with government industrial strategy, priority growth sectors and local employer needs.
Professor Joanne Leal, Pro Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Academic Development said:
“I am delighted that Birkbeck has received this funding from the Office for Students. The investment will allow us to create high quality facilities that will widen opportunities for our students and support our work with employers in the creative and digital sectors. The Centre for Creative AI will enhance the way our students learn and prepare for their future careers.”
Dr Scott Rodgers, Subject Lead for Film, Media and Journalism said:
“The Centre will be a space for students to explore AI’s creative potential while questioning its cultural and ethical implications. We aim to move beyond hype or fear, fostering thoughtful, distinctive engagements that combine experimentation with critical reflection.”
Dr Joel McKim, Director of MA AI and Creative Media said:
“This is a critical time for a new generation of media makers and thinkers to shape the future direction of AI technologies in more creative and responsible ways. The Centre is a unique resource in London for supporting that crucial endeavour.”