In early 2026, DNV and the University of York’s Centre for Assuring Autonomy (CfAA) and UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in Safe Artificial Intelligence Systems (SAINTS) carried out two reciprocal visits – one hosted at the University of York and one at DNV’s headquarters at Høvik. Together, these engagements strengthened the scientific foundations and practical collaboration underpinning the joint research efforts on safety assurance of autonomy, including the ‘A Star to Steer By’ project and related initiatives.
These visits are part of a broader research partnership between DNV and CfAA/SAINTS, established to advance shared ambitions around the safe and trustworthy use of AI-enabled autonomous systems. The partnership supports DNV’s long-term ambition to strengthen assurance of complex digital and autonomous assets, to evolve assurance approaches in step with increasingly AI- and software-driven systems, and to deepen insight into how technological, regulatory, and societal expectations for autonomy are likely to evolve.
DNV visits CfAA/SAINTS, University of York
DNV’s delegation, which included Astrid Rusås Kristoffersen, Group Director of Research and Development, was welcomed to York for two days of presentations, discussions, and demonstrations. The programme showcased CfAA and SAINTS’ interdisciplinary research strengths in autonomy, artificial intelligence, safety, and assurance.
The first day featured a series of deep-dive discussions offering insight into topics such as the SACE Guideline, approaches to PhD training, interdisciplinary research spanning AI, safety science, philosophy, law, sociology and health sciences, and cross-cutting challenges for safe maritime autonomous systems. These sessions highlighted areas of alignment between the partners, particularly around assurance frameworks, system-level safety, and interdisciplinary methodologies.
A guided tour through the Institute for Safe Autonomy, including the AI Laboratory, offered hands-on demonstrations of experimental facilities. The tour provided insight into key research infrastructures that support the assurance of autonomous systems.
The visit also included an introduction to the two DNV-funded PhD researchers and their projects, which form part of the research partnership. Oliver Crook will be exploring assurance case patterns, and Andrew Knowles will be investigating AI using world models. As their research projects have not yet commenced, this visit served as an opportunity for the candidates to introduce their intended topics and connect with the teams.
CfAA/SAINTS visits DNV Høvik Headquarters
Shortly afterwards, the CfAA/SAINTS delegation, which included SAINTS Director and AI Safety Lead, Professor Ibrahim Habli, and SAINTS Operations Lead and Partnerships Co-Lead, Dr Ana McIntosh, visited DNV’s main office at Høvik for two days of technical sessions, demonstrations, and project discussions.
The visitors opened by outlining CfAA/SAINTS’ research focus and strategic direction, alongside initial lines of enquiry for ‘A Star to Steer By’ – a project focused on identifying and validating foundational safety and assurance requirements for AI‑enabled autonomous systems, and translating them into practical assurance guidance. This overview provided valuable context for the extended DNV team, while reinforcing the mutual foundations of the collaboration.
DNV staff from across the maritime, autonomy, and simulation domains contributed to a rich programme exploring topics such as Autonomous and Remotely Operated Ships (AROS) class notations, simulating collision-avoidance scenarios, and new initiatives on Complex Integrated Systems (CIS), including the verification and testing track. The programme also highlighted the Simulation Trust Centre and the Open Simulation Platform.
Strengthening the Partnership
Together, the visits demonstrated the value of in-person technical exchange and reinforced the strong partnership between DNV and CfAA/SAINTS. Each organization gained a deeper understanding of the other’s capabilities, infrastructure, and research ambitions. More importantly, colleagues across both teams formed new professional connections – an essential foundation for successful long-term collaboration.
The teams’ efforts to prepare high-quality, insightful material were highly appreciated throughout the engagement. DNV and CfAA/SAINTS extend their warm thanks to all contributors who prepared presentations, guided tours, facilitated discussions, or participated in the joint sessions – your dedication and expertise are indispensable drivers of our shared progress. The sessions sparked productive discussions that will continue to shape the next phases of the collaboration.
As the collaboration continues, these visits mark an important step towards assuring safe and trustworthy autonomous systems – at sea and beyond.