University sponsors and showcases city AI Summit

LJMU put itself at the forefront of thinking on artificial intelligence with a strong presence at the Liverpool City Region AI Summit.

The 900-delegate event at ACC Liverpool showcases the area's rapidly-developing AI landscape as government and industry seek to direct the power of AI into new business, better services and societal gain.

Last week, Liverpool became the first mayoral region to appoint a chief AI officer, tasked with promoting the use of AI to improve public services, support communities and drive growth.

LJMU, a sponsor of the event, put forward presenters and panellists for the summit as well as offering up demonstrations of robotics and AI in healthcare.

Work, study, research

Dr Aileen Jones, PVC External Engagement and Partnerships, said: "AI is offering up so many opportunities to work, study, research and live differently that it is a natural territory for higher education.

"We are excited to be in the front row of this regional summit where we can showcase our work and expertise and explore some of the work going on across the region."

In terms of economic development and public services, LJMU is making significant contributions with technological developments in healthcare and transport and sustainability.

Professor Sandra Ortega-Martorell, of the School of Computer Science and Mathematics, highlighted to potential of AI in healthcare. Sandra runs the EU Horizon project TARGET to develop novel technologies to target treatment of stroke and heart failure much closer to patient need.

Professor Thanh Trung Nguyen, of the School of Engineering, explained the emerging role of AI in efficient and greener transport. Thanh currently runs projects improving the global shipping supply chain of fuel and redesigning the city's infrastructure for modes of 'active' travel, such as cycling and walking.

Whither values and ethics?

But Dr Thompson Chengeta, a Professor of Law and expert in legal aspects of technology and ethics, who spoke at the summit's session on Ethical and Responsible AI, cautioned: "I fully agree that we must harness the opportunities presented by AI. But we also need to be honest - not every AI capability is necessarily an opportunity.

"From a legal perspective, what truly qualifies as an "opportunity" is defined by compliance with the law, particularly human rights law.

"Similarly, I support the adoption of measures to manage AI-related risks. Yet, not all such measures are sufficient. Their adequacy must be judged against binding legal standards. For example, where the law requires the eradication, elimination, and prohibition of discrimination, it is not enough to settle for the mere mitigation of AI bias."

Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark Power and Chair of Governors Mike Parker joined the LJMU delegation at the event.

Main Image: Professor of AI Dhiya Al-Jumeily OBE demonstrates his evolving AI doctor - Amy - to Professor Power and Mike Parker.