Digital Futures at Aston

Transforming tomorrow through AI, data and smart systems

We're at the forefront of digital innovation, tackling national and global challenges through cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, forensic linguistics combating online crime, photonics and neuromorphic computing. Our interdisciplinary approach connects technology with society, health, and industry, driving real-world impact.

Shaping tomorrow’s digital world, today

Our researchers are using digital innovation to create meaningful change, from advancing healthcare and transforming business to tackling social inequality and driving sustainable growth. Explore how their ideas, discoveries, and collaborations are shaping a fairer, smarter, and more connected future.

Professor Abdul Sadka

The future is collaborative: the digital institute taking an interdisciplinary approach to innovation.

Professor Vladlena Benson

Building a regional cyber security powerhouse, creating a new hub to boost growth, innovation and investment across the West Midlands.

Research Spotlight

From AI and data analytics to digital ethics and cyber resilience, our research is shaping the technologies that power tomorrow’s world. Discover how our experts are creating digital solutions that drive innovation, improve lives, and strengthen the UK’s digital economy.

Aston is named Cyber University of the Year in national awards

The University’s Cyber Security Innovation Research Centre was recognised for its outstanding contribution.

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Empowering researchers to harness AI ethically for groundbreaking discoveries

Aston is leading a network of Midlands Innovation and Yorkshire Universities to assess AI tools for PhD research and promote responsible AI use and innovation.

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Aston and Capgemini launch new centre of excellence for enterprise AI

The new Centre will help businesses harness AI to their advantage.

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Using machine learning to combat honey fraud

The Aston Institute for Photonic Technologies, in partnership with The Scottish Bee Company, is tackling honey fraud, a major threat to consumer trust and the honey industry.

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A man and robot sat in a waiting room

The forgotten 80-year-old machine that shaped the internet – and could help us survive AI

From robotic trucks to smart bins: how technology is helping cities sort their waste problem

Researchers to find out if AI can help policymakers make urban mobility more sustainable

Hear from our experts

Hear how our experts are redefining what’s possible through interdisciplinary collaboration and partnerships with industry, government, and academia.

How do you measure brain activity in children with epilepsy to support life-changing surgical decisions?

Dr Caroline Witton explains how Aston University researchers are using OPM-MEG technology – quantum sensing that maps brain activity with unprecedented precision – in a child-friendly way.

From pioneering MEG in the 1980s to today's quantum innovations, Aston continues to deliver breakthroughs that transform patient care.

Dr Egor Manuylovich from Aston University's UK Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Computing reveals how photonic hardware is creating brain-inspired, energy-efficient computing technologies. This sustainable AI could revolutionise data processing, communications, and sensing.

This is one of the most exciting frontiers in next-generation artificial intelligence.

In this episode of the Bright Past, Brilliant Future podcast, the team observe the energy demands of AI, the potential for AI-designed networks and the broader historical context of technological progress driven by economic and social needs.

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Join us as a postgraduate researcher

Hear from our current postgraduate research students and explore our PhD opportunities.

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Working with industry

Learn how we're working with businesses to harness AI, machine learning, and digital innovation. By combining academic expertise with real-world challenges, we help organisations unlock new opportunities, drive growth, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital world.

First Fully AI-powered Smart Care Home System

AI-driven system enhances care quality by automating tasks, real-time health monitoring, and empowering staff to focus on residents.

Transforming legal services with generative AI

Developing AI-driven platform transforms legal services by automating tasks, empowering lawyers, reducing costs, and enhancing client outcomes.

Creating AI-powered cyber security assessment

Helping Intercity build an AI tool to enhance cybersecurity for SMEs, enabling informed risk management and bolstering digital resilience.

Aston means business - how our research boosts productivity

An automotive firm has experienced a boost in productivity without having to increase staff or buy new machines, thanks to a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Aston Business School.

Iain Collis, managing director at Metal Assemblies, and Professor Ben Clegg, of Aston Business School, explain how the project has succeeded.

Building on this project, the latest KTP co-designs lower-impact components with customers to support greener manufacturing.

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