If your cat's sulking, your dog's whining or your rabbit's doing that strange thing with its paws again, you will recognise that familiar pang of guilt shared by most other pet owners. But for those who wish they knew just what was going on in the minds of their loyal companions, help may soon be at hand – thanks to the establishment of first scientific institution dedicated to empirically investigating the consciousness of animals. The Jeremy Coller Centre for Animal Sentience, based at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), will begin its work on 30 September, researching non-human animals, including those as evolutionarily distant from us as insects, crabs and cuttlefish. One of its most eye-catching projects will be to explore how AI can help humans "speak" with their pets, the dangers of it going wrong – and what we need to do to prevent that happening. "We like our pets to display human characteristics and with the advent of AI, the ways in which your pet will be able to speak to you is going to be taken to a whole new level," said Prof Jonathan Birch, the inaugural director of the centre.

Building upon an existing partnership, Emirates Aviation University (EAU) and Coventry University have revealed plans to launch a new research centre and doctoral training college. Set to be established in Dubai, the Research Centre for Digital Innovation and Artificial Intelligence is tasked in exploring the potential application of digital technologies and AI across a number of sectors including aviation, security and smart cities. "Our partnership with Coventry has always added value to the education that our students received and it's proved to be successful. The opening of the new research centre and doctoral training college is a testament to our growing commitment to always provide students with the best tools to develop their skills and capabilities", said Dr Ahmad Al Ali, Vice-Chancellor of Emirates Aviation University. The research centre's programme will reportedly be closely aligned with academic objectives of the Coventry University's Research Institute for Future Transport and Cities. It will include activities aimed at supporting the growth of Dubai's aviation sector, as well as discovering new approaches in urban development. While research students will be based in Dubai, they will not only have support from Coventry University academics, but also the opportunity to travel and visit Coventry.