Durham and Microsoft partnership to support AI skills and future opportunities

Durham University has announced an exciting partnership with Microsoft to help shape the future of AI skills, education, and opportunity.

The collaboration was announced at London Tech Week 2026 by Darren Hardman, Corporate Vice President & CEO, Microsoft UK and Ireland, as part of wider discussions on how artificial intelligence is transforming the future of work across the UK.

Building an AI Skills Centre of Excellence 

At the heart of this work are plans to establish an AI Skills Centre of Excellence at Durham - the first of its kind - creating new opportunities for staff, students, graduates, businesses, and the wider public sector. 

The Centre will bring together expertise, tools, and support to help people build confidence using AI in a way that is practical, responsible, inclusive and relevant to real-world challenges, supporting broad access across our university community. 

Read more