Foley Begins Full-Time Role at Independent Think Tank
Edward Foley has joined Government Artificial Intelligence (GovAI) as a Research Scholar in London, marking his transition from a government-focused role to an independent position within the AI governance sector. The full-time appointment began in July 2026, according to reports published by the EdTech Innovation Hub.
Foley moves into this new capacity after serving for two years at the UK AI Security Institute (AISI). His previous tenure at the institute concluded with his departure in mid-2026. The shift represents a move from a government role centered on advanced artificial intelligence risk to an independent think tank environment dedicated to AI governance research.
The appointment marks a return for Foley to GovAI. Prior to his time at AISI, he spent four months at GovAI as a Winter Fellow. This fellowship period ran from January to April 2026. During that interval, Foley conducted independent research focused on compute governance. His work during the fellowship specifically included the development of verification infrastructure for AI governance.
Strategic Work and Partnerships at AISI
Foley’s departure from the UK AI Security Institute follows a period of significant operational activity within the organization. He served as the Strategy & Special Projects Lead at AISI starting in August 2024. In this capacity, his responsibilities encompassed a broad range of strategic initiatives.
His work at the institute included managing partnerships with frontier AI companies. Specific collaborations mentioned include those with Google DeepMind and OpenAI. Additionally, Foley was involved in launching the AI Infrastructure Security Programme. His portfolio also extended to the institute’s wider institutional strategy and the oversight of AI infrastructure security measures.
Writing on LinkedIn regarding his departure from AISI, Foley provided context regarding the timing of his exit relative to broader governmental changes. He stated that he departed just before the Prime Minister resigned. He noted that the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) was disestablished during this period. Furthermore, he observed that AISI was moved to the Cabinet Office.
Foley described the timing of these institutional shifts as "pure coincidence." Despite acknowledging the disruption caused by these changes, he expressed confidence in the institute's future stability. He wrote, "Despite some inevitable disruption, I'm confident that AISI is going to be just fine." He characterized the institute as unusually capable of operating quickly inside government structures, while also noting the constraints inherent in that setting.
Focus on Compute and Infrastructure
The transition to GovAI aligns with Foley’s established focus on technical governance frameworks. His previous fellowship work at GovAI involved detailed analysis of compute governance. This includes the mechanisms required to verify compliance within AI systems.
At AISI, his role as Strategy & Special Projects Lead required coordination across multiple high-profile entities. The partnerships he helped negotiate with major technology firms represent a key component of his professional history leading up to this appointment. His work on the AI Infrastructure Security Programme further underscores his focus on the physical and digital foundations of advanced AI systems.
The EdTech Innovation Hub reported that Foley’s move into AI governance research follows his work spanning frontier AI partnerships, infrastructure security, and government strategy. The organization noted that he is now positioned to apply this experience within an independent think tank structure.
Foley’s career trajectory demonstrates a progression through different sectors of the AI policy landscape. He moved from a Winter Fellowship at GovAI to a senior strategic role at AISI, and has now returned to GovAI in a permanent research capacity. His departure from AISI coincided with a period of restructuring for the UK government’s science and innovation departments.
Details regarding Foley’s specific research agenda at GovAI beyond his previous compute governance focus were not included in the immediate reports of his appointment. The available information confirms his start date, his prior titles, and the institutional changes at AISI that accompanied his departure.