AI Carns visited Aston University to explore research including cybersecurity and brain-inspired computing
The visit showcased key initiatives such as neuromorphic computing and concussion research
The visit included a tour of the Aston Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment’s facilities for investigating brain functioning.
Birmingham Selly Oak member of parliament Al Carns has learnt about Aston University’s cybersecurity and brain-inspired computing research during a visit to campus.
Carns, who is also minister for the armed forces, toured Aston University’s Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment and received briefings on the University’s world-leading cybersecurity and brain-inspired computing research.
During the visit – which was held on 1 May 2026 – Carns learnt more about how Aston University research contributes towards the long-term health of military personnel, and to the UK’s national security innovation ecosystem.
The Minister toured the Aston Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment’s clinical magnetoencephalography (MEG) facilities. MEG (and its novel counterpart, OPM-MEG) is a specialist brain-imaging tool, with Aston University running the UK’s largest clinical MEG service in partnership with local NHS Trusts. Aston’s MEG team are part of the mTBI Predict consortium, a long-term study led by partners at the University of Birmingham, which is investigating outcomes from concussion among military personnel, funded by the Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with Defence Medical Services and the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre.
Carns was also given a briefing on the University’s role leading the UK Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Computing, which is pioneering brain-inspired, energy-efficient computing technologies to address the pressing sustainability challenges in digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence.
The Minister heard about work led by Professor Vladlena Benson MBE through the Cyber Security Innovation Research Centre, including a recent cybersecurity clinic which provided hands-on support for SMEs from academics and students, to help them navigate live cyber challenges they face in running their businesses.
Carns said:
“The work being undertaken at Aston University is both innovative and urgently needed. In a world where developments in AI, cybercrime, health technologies, and other critical fields are advancing at remarkable speed, supporting the growth and application of such expertise is essential to ensure the UK can preserve its competitive edge. As a recognised hub of innovation, Birmingham benefits greatly from Aston University’s leadership in these areas, placing the institution firmly at the heart of progress and impact.”
Professor Mike Caine, Interim Vice-Chancellor at Aston University, said:
“We were delighted to host the Minister on campus to showcase the breadth of expertise across our academic community. Following the tour, we met and discussed Aston’s role within Birmingham’s innovation ecosystem, in preparing graduates for the future of work, and as a civic institution.
Visits like this help deepen understanding of what is possible through collaboration and ensure our activity remains connected to the priorities and needs of partners regionally, nationally and internationally.”
The visit follows a previous engagement in November 2025, when Aston welcomed the MP to the Aston University Engineering Academy to meet cadets and staff.
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About Aston University
For over 130 years, Aston University has been making our world a better place through education, research and innovation. Our history is intertwined with the remarkable city of Birmingham, once the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and now the thriving base for an innovation ecosystem of global significance, which Aston is co-creating.
Our vision is to be a leading university for science, technology and enterprise, measured by the positive transformational impact we achieve for our people, students, businesses and the communities we serve.
Aston focuses on high-quality, exploitable research that has an impact on society through medical breakthroughs, advancements in engineering, policy and practice in government, and the strategies and performance of business.
The University offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, as well as continuing professional development solutions.
Thanks to its focus on delivering excellent outcomes for students, Aston University's reputation for employability continues to grow. It is second in England for social mobility (2025 HEPI Social Mobility Index) and is top 20 for graduate salaries (2025 Longitudinal Education Outcomes).
Aston University is now defining its place in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Richard Woodall, Press and Communications Manager, on email: r.woodall@aston.ac.uk
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