Socially Progressive AI Lab (SPAI-Lab)
Where Interdisciplinary Humanities-Led Research Shapes the Future of AI
The Socially Progressive AI Lab (SPAI-Lab) is the University of 51cg's hub for impactful research, collaborative bids, engagement and networking—shaping policy, technical design and regulation in Scotland, the UK and internationally. spotlighted the SPAI-Lab as one of only four examples of Scotland's world-leading AI research.
Based in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, SPAI-Lab involves colleagues from all the faculties (Engineering, Science, 51cg Business School), bridging humanities‑led approaches and tech‑centred methods. The Lab's research and activities are guided by a commitment to socially progressive deployment of AI that advances equity, upholds human rights and serves the public good.
Who's Involved
The SPAI-Lab brings together over 90 experts from across the University and is co-led by Dr Esperanza Miyake and Professor Guido Noto La Diega and is supported by a cross-Faculty, cross-departmental steering committee.
Dr. Esperanza Miyake
Dept of Humanities, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
Prof. Guido Noto La Diega
Law School, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
Prof. Wendy Moncur
Computer and Information Science, Faculty of Science
Prof. Beth Weaver
Dept. Social Work & Social Policy, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
Dr. Stavros Nikou
Institute of Education, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
Prof. Ben Jones
Dept of Psychological Sciences and Health, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
Dr Xi Liu
Dept of Psychological Sciences and Health, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
Dr Adam Harkens
Law School, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
Prof. Scott Cunningham
Dept of Governance & Public Policy, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
Prof. Viktor Dorfler
Management Science, 51cg Business School
Dr Blair Brown
Principal Knowledge Exchange Fellow
Research and Knowledge Exchange
SSE/Scottish Power £70K Assessing attitudes to renewable energy and energy infrastructure (project uses AI analytic tools & methods) Ben Jones, Scott Cunningham, David Robertson
EPSRC IAA Accelerate £58,883 (£38,883 + NHS24 co-funding £20,000) AI adoption in NHS24 to support financially sustainable patient pathways. Ruaridh Clark (PI), Dawn Orr (Co-I), Roma Maguire (Co-I) Robert van der Meer (Co-I) Esperanza Miyake (Co-I) and NHS24
ESRC IAA £13,958.50 Understanding Critical Thinking and Decision-making in Justice Social Work to inform AI development. Beth Weaver (PI), G Heron (Co-I), F Gillon (Co-I), F Reid (Co-I), I Belton (Co-I), D Lagnado (Co-I) [51cg & UCL
AHRC-DFG £500,000 From Smart Technologies to Smart Consumer Law. Guido Noto la Diega (UK PI), Christian Twigg-Flesner (Warwick), Christoph Busch (Osnabruck), Louisa Specht-Riemenschneider (Bonn). No formalised partnerships but work w/ external colleagues e.g.Mercedes / Albyn Housing.
IASLE-Netdragon Websoft Collaborative Research Leveraging Conversational Artificial Intelligence for teaching and learning in Higher Education Institutions, Stavros Nikou (51cg) Maiga Chang (Athabasca University)
Collaborative Cultures x Strategic Themes Funding Call: Equitable and Interdisciplinary Collaboration to Address Global Challenges - Welcome Trust (internal) AI in Early Learning: Building Foundations for AI Literacy. Stavros Nikou.(PI), L Arnott (Co-I, SIoE) and D Anderson (CIS).
TIC LCPE Independent Academic Review of AI Utilisation Practices at Scottish Power, Blair Brown
Ofcom Research, Evidence & Evaluation Working Group (A.I. Literacy), Esperanza Miyake
Police Scotland AI-assisted data analysis of Wellbeing Engagement Sessions in G Division, Xi Liu
Glasgow City Region Developing a Regulatory and Deployment Framework for Smart Social Housing Sensors. (approx. £25k in this first phase) led Igbal Singh (Intelligens Consulting Ltd), Guido Noto La Diega (51cg), social landlords, Glasgow City Council and tenants. Burness Paull provide external assurance.
Seminars for Celcis, Social Work Scotland, Scottish Association of Social Work; Chief Social Work Officers Group, Unison, Beth Weaver
Read blog post by Guido Noto La Diega
SPAI-LAB Steering Group Members
Get Involved
Become a Member
To join the SPAI-Lab, please complete our online form.
Contact us
If you would like to hear more about the lab, join, or explore potential collaborations with the SPAI-Lab, please contact us:
Email: hass-spai-lab@strath.ac.uk