The core purpose of the Lab is the just transition to socially just, trustworthy, responsible, open, inclusive and sustainable Artificial Intelligence (AI) through impactful mission-oriented interdisciplinary research. For the transition to be just, we must understand, use, and engage critically with AI in all aspects of human endeavour for a fairer, greener, more prosperous, and outward-looking Scotland.

Objectives and priorities

Just Spaces: The Just AI Lab's interdisciplinary expertise empowers PGR students to integrate hard sciences with sociology, arts, and humanities for meaningful AI improvements in various environments. Questions explored encompass the environmental impact of AI adoption, principles for socially responsible AI in work, and participatory development approaches. Research focuses on citizen/worker interactions with AI-data systems and the interdisciplinary knowledge needed in education programs.

Just Places: AI's potential to enhance cultural and personal identities requires inclusive regulation. Scotland's AI Strategy aligns with OECD principles, emphasizing human rights, democratic values, diversity, transparency, safety, and accountability. Key issues include adapting traditional safety frameworks for AI, maintaining transparency and fairness in algorithmic decision-making amid changes to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and learning from the EU's AI legislation. Collaboration between law and computer science for AI tool development and minimizing human and societal risks in facial recognition in policing are crucial.

Just Lives: AI plays a pivotal role in Scotland's goal for a high quality of life, emphasizing prevention and early intervention. It blurs boundaries between leisure, games, sport, and health. For instance, commercially available smart speakers used for leisure also have applications in the care sector. Questions revolve around the influence of smart speakers on older people's lives, barriers, impact on quality of life, privacy concerns, and coding duties of care. Additionally, exploring the use of assistive technologies in healthy aging, especially in relation to sport reminiscence and heritage, is crucial. AI's impact on health outcomes and the future of work in AI-mediated settings are key considerations.

Further information, including how to apply, is available here.

Or contact CRISP at CRISP@stir.ac.uk, or the Just AI Lab at justailab@stir.uk