Celebrating 75 years of the Turing Test: how we can continue to shape the future
06 Oct 2025
From the question that launched AI to the breakthroughs of today
In 1950, here at The University of Manchester, Alan Turing posed a question that would define a field: “Can machines think?”
In his seminal paper Computing Machinery and Intelligence – considered one of the very first papers on AI – he introduced the Turing Test – a way to see if a machine could think like us. He imagined a future where computers would be so convincing, you couldn’t tell the difference between them and humans.
That future began here, and it continues here. Over the past 75 years we’ve been driving the evolution of modern computing.
Today, more than 1,600 researchers at our University are building on Turing’s legacy, designing AI that tackles global challenges, transforms industries, enhances public services and improves lives.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be celebrating both where it started – and how we’re still leading the way. Keep an eye out for events, stories, and opportunities to get involved, and join us as we mark 75 years of innovation inspired by one of the greatest minds of the 20th century.
How to get involved
- Get out on campus >> see Turing’s mechanical typewriter up close in the Kilburn building’s first floor museum for a rare glimpse of the tools behind the mind
- Retrace Turing’s steps >> take the innovation walking tour and visit Turing’s office on Copeland Street
- Discover how we’re shaping the future of AI >> Explore our dedicated website for the latest breakthroughs, stories and resources.
- Visit the Turing Collection at John Rylands >> Delve into papers, letters and artefacts revealing his cross-disciplinary thinking – and even his personal views (available on request)
- Celebrate our trailblazing history of firsts >> From the world’s first computer game to a credit in The Mandalorian, discover milestones that put Manchester on the map.
- Share stories of the researchers transforming lives >> Download inspiring stories about the people transforming lives with AI - perfect for sharing on your social channels.
Access resources to apply AI in your work
- Visit our AI Hub for practical tools, guidance and opportunities to integrate AI into your own projects.