Research group: Data and artificial intelligence ethics

About our research

We are at the forefront of interdisciplinary research and engagement around the ethics of artificial intelligence (AI) research, development and deployment.

Our work directly underpins initiatives in Greater Manchester to develop a flourishing AI sector renowned globally for its pioneering ethical approaches.

Our work includes:

• analysis of ethical AI frameworks, regulation and toolkits
• bridging the ethics ‘practice gap’ in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs)
• ethical AI skills analysis and training for SME employees
• interdisciplinary research with technologists, data scientists, legal and social sciences 
• public engagement with data science and AI research, innovation and ethics
• fostering sustained interaction between traditionally marginalised communities and AI researchers through co-production
• citizen-led data and AI research and development
• engagement in regional and national data and AI strategy and policy development

Our research also informs the teaching of AI ethics at Manchester Met, including on the computer science undergraduate courses and the Artificial Intelligence MSc.

Our collaborations

We work with a wide range of stakeholders and collaborators including:

• Greater Manchester AI Foundry
• Alan Turing Institute
• Responsible Tech Collective
• Greater Manchester Combined Authority
• Manchester City Council
• Policy Connect
• All-Party Parliamentary Group on Data Analytics
• Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation
• Information Commissioner’s Office
• Office for AI

Our collaborations include working with:

• The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Data Analytics and Policy Connect on an inquiry into place-based approaches to ethical AI. The Our Place Our Data report recommends local ownership of data and AI to level up and fuel the post-COVID19 economy.
• The Turing Institute and the Information Commissioner’s Office on workshops for SMEs and public sector organisations explaining how decisions are made with AI, part of Project ExpIAIn.
• Responsible Tech Collective, of which we are a founding member. This group of cross-sector organisations and community representatives in Greater Manchester wants to put people first in the creation and deployment of technology.