The University demonstrated how its researchers are harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to transform the fields of science and law at a special event held at the Houses of Parliament.
The event, organised in partnership with the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) and hosted by Viscount Stansgate, brought together leading University researchers from Computer Science, Law, and Chemistry with MPs interested in science and technology, as well as key stakeholders from across academia, industry and policy.
Experts from the University's Computer Science and Chemistry departments presented how AI is being applied to both the legal and materials science sectors, with impact felt both in the UK and globally.
Professor Katie Atkinson, a world-renowned expert in AI for the legal sector and Director of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Sustainability Research, gave an overview of her research. She highlighted how AI technologies developed by her team have been deployed by industrial partners and are helping to tackle significant case backlogs in legal work.
Professor Andy Cooper, Royal Society Research Professor and Academic Director of the Materials Innovation Factory, presented how AI is being harnessed to develop cutting-edge solutions in the pursuit of net zero and sustainability. Professor Cooper is also known for designing the world's first mobile robot chemist.
The University presentations were complemented by industry insights from Christina Blacklaws, CEO of Blacklaws Consulting and Chair of Lawtech UK Panel, and Dr Jonathan Hague, Head of Bright Future Science and Technology at Unilever Homecare. Both shared how AI is transforming their respective sectors.
The event attracted a number of parliamentarians such as Lord Tim Clement-Jones as well as stakeholders including EPSRC Executive Chair, Professor Charlotte Deane.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Jones said: "This event provided an opportunity to directly engage with key parliamentarians and present the value and impact of our pioneering research and innovation. We were also able to showcase our important global and national partnerships - with Unilever on materials discovery and with Lawtech UK on AI and legal innovation."
To coincide with the event, the latest edition of Science in Parliament magazine features articles by both Professor Atkinson and Professor Cooper, spotlighting their groundbreaking work in AI and its application to law and materials science.
You can read the articles here:
https://www.scienceinparliament.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Atkinson.pdf
https://www.scienceinparliament.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Cooper.pdf
Main image from l to r: Leigh Jeffes, Christina Blacklaws, Professor Andy Cooper, Professor Wiebe Van Der Hoek, Professor Matt Rosseinsky, Emma Brass, Dr Jonathan Hague, Professor Katie Atkinson, Professor Tim Jones, Viscount Stansgate.
