About this event
Why attend this workshop? If you’re exploring how AI technologies intersect with law, policy and social equity, this is a rare, rigorous, cross-disciplinary space to interrogate the equality impacts of AI systems and to discuss practical frameworks for more inclusive governance. The one-day event at the University of Southampton brings together scholars and practitioners to examine where AI can reduce harm and where it may inadvertently reproduce or worsen social inequality, with a strong emphasis on rights-based, participatory approaches to AI design and regulation.
What to expect:
- A critical, research-informed program addressing algorithmic biases across contexts such as policing, healthcare, immigration welfare systems, and workplace governance by algorithmic management.
- Deliberations on current and emerging legal and regulatory responses to AI harms, with an emphasis on inclusivity, accountability, and governance.
- Cross-disciplinary discussions that connect technology, law, policy, and social justice, aiming to develop practical strategies for designing AI systems that respect rights and promote equality.
Speakers and contributors: The event features notable researchers and practitioners including Vanessa Ho (Queen Mary University London), Monique Munarini (University of Pisa), Anastasia Karagianni (Vrije Universiteit Brussel), Tsachi Keren-Paz and Maria Tzanou (University of Sheffield), Holli Sargeant (St John’s College, Cambridge), and Raphaële Xenidis (Sciences Po Law School). These confirmed voices will anchor plenaries and give attendees a concrete sense of how academic insights translate into policy and practice.
Call for Papers (CfP): The organisers invite abstract submissions up to 500 words to scclaw@soton.ac.uk. The CfP closes with a deadline of 5 January 2026, and acceptances are communicated by the end of January. This reflects a collaborative, scholarly approach, encouraging contributions from diverse disciplines.
Logistics and funding: There is no attendance fee for the workshop. Limited travel and accommodation support may be available for participants who lack institutional funds. Interested contributors should email the conference organising committee for details on eligibility and travel arrangements.
Organisers: Research Centre for Law and Technology and Stefan Cross Centre for Women, Equality and Law, University of Southampton. For more information, visit the event page at the official site and consider submitting an abst