Our researchers attended RAi UK/BRAID event on "Ensuring Responsible AI Through Methodological Diversity" at The University of Edinburgh
- Dr Dhaval Thakker
- Mar 25
- 2 min read
On 6th March 2025, Maneeha Rani and Samia Abid, members of our group, had the opportunity to attend the RAi UK/BRAID event on "Ensuring Responsible AI Through Methodological Diversity" at The University of Edinburgh, West Court, Edinburgh College of Art.
The event brought together leading experts from diverse disciplines to discuss how different research methodologies can drive responsible AI forward. From ethical considerations to technical advancements, the sessions highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in shaping AI’s future.
They had insightful discussions, particularly with Dr. Christopher Burr (Senior Researcher, Alan Turing Institute), about APIs and datasets, which align closely with their research. They connected with fellow researchers working on similar challenges, fostering potential collaborations. Additionally, Maneeha was privileged to interview for BBC, sharing her perspectives on responsible AI and its impact on society.
A huge thanks to RAi UK and BRAID UK for sponsoring this trip, and making it possible for them to participate and contribute. The travel grant allowed Maneeha and Samia to attend an important event that might have otherwise been difficult due to the financial constraints of being early-career researchers and PhD students.
Key Takeaways
🔹 Participatory Approaches in AI – Dr. Claire Paterson-Young (Principal Researcher, Institute for Social Innovation and Impact, University of Northampton) highlighted the need for community-driven AI development, challenging the idea of AI as a “black box.”
🔹 AI in Policing & Security – Prof. Muffy Calder (Vice-Principal & Head of College of Science and Engineering, University of Glasgow; Chair, RAi UK Skills Pillar) addressed the ethical and security challenges of AI in law enforcement, focusing on privacy, national security, and accountability.
🔹 Trustworthy AI & Digital Twins – Dr. Christopher Burr (Senior Researcher in Trustworthy Systems, Alan Turing Institute) explored the role of digital twins in AI and how to build trust and ethical assurance in these technologies.
🔹 Creativity & AI’s ‘Messiness’ – Dr. Martin Parker (Head of Music, Programme Director, MScR Sound Design, The University of Edinburgh) argued that AI in creative fields is inherently unpredictable and complex, and embracing this messiness is essential for innovation.
🔹 AI & Grief – Prof. Michael Pinchbeck (Senior Research Lead for Art & Performance Research Hub, Manchester Metropolitan University) gave an insightful talk on how AI is shaping grief, memory, and mourning, raising ethical concerns around digital immortality.
The Importance of Methodological Diversity
The roundtable discussion and Q&A, chaired by Prof. Shannon Vallor, reinforced the idea that ensuring responsible AI requires integrating diverse perspectives from social sciences, ethics, creative fields, and technical research.
The event, funded by UKRI and organized by RAi UK/BRAID, provided a great platform for researchers to exchange ideas and reflect on how interdisciplinary collaboration can help shape a more inclusive AI future.
The travel grant was vital in making this event accessible, and we are grateful for the funding support from RAi UK and BRAID UK, which empowered us to contribute to these critical discussions and advance responsible AI.
A few photos from the event
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