Key Takeaways
• University of Liverpool showcased AI innovations in law and chemistry at the UK Parliament.
• Professor Katie Atkinson’s legal AI tools are addressing backlog issues and have been deployed in industry.
• Professor Andy Cooper’s lab leverages AI for sustainable materials discovery and pioneered a robot chemist.
• The event highlighted academia-industry collaborations with Lawtech UK and Unilever.
The University of Liverpool spotlighted its cutting-edge AI research at a high-level event held at the UK Parliament, reinforcing its role as a leader in cross-sector innovation.
Organized in collaboration with the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) and hosted by Viscount Stansgate, the showcase united experts from academia, industry, and government to explore AI’s tangible benefits for society.
The event featured prominent researchers from the University’s Computer Science, Law, and Chemistry departments, alongside key stakeholders including MPs, tech leaders, and national policy influencers.
AI and Law: Streamlining Justice with Expert Systems
Professor Katie Atkinson, Director of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Sustainability Research, presented the University’s advancements in legal AI.
A global authority in the field, Atkinson detailed how her team’s research is already being used by industry to optimize legal operations.
• Legal AI systems are addressing critical backlog issues in legal processes.
• Atkinson’s team collaborates with Lawtech UK on real-world legal tech innovation.
• Her work ensures AI application aligns with transparency and legal ethics.
This research aligns with ongoing efforts to modernize legal services in the UK, demonstrating how AI can be ethically and effectively integrated into traditionally conservative institutions.
AI and Chemistry: Driving Sustainability and Net-Zero Innovation
The spotlight then turned to Professor Andy Cooper, Royal Society Research Professor and Academic Director of the Materials Innovation Factory. Cooper showcased how AI is transforming scientific discovery, particularly in support of climate and sustainability goals.
• AI tools in Cooper’s lab help identify novel materials for energy-efficient applications.
• His team developed the world’s first mobile robot chemist, revolutionizing lab automation.
• The research is directly tied to collaborative innovation with Unilever Homecare.
These tools dramatically reduce the time and resources needed for material discovery—an essential component of advancing clean technologies.
Industry Collaboration: Bridging Research and Market Deployment
Complementing the academic presentations were industry insights from leaders actively implementing AI strategies:
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Christina Blacklaws, CEO of Blacklaws Consulting and Chair of the Lawtech UK Panel, emphasized how AI is reshaping client service models in the legal industry.
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Dr. Jonathan Hague, Head of Bright Future Science and Technology at Unilever Homecare, described how AI is driving sustainability across product development cycles.
These expert voices reinforced the core message: AI research rooted in academic rigor is fueling real-world transformation.
Political Engagement: Informing Policy Through Research
The presence of influential figures such as Lord Tim Clement-Jones and Professor Charlotte Deane, Executive Chair of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), underscored the national relevance of the University’s research portfolio.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Jones highlighted the strategic nature of this showcase in advancing both public engagement and research impact:
The University of Liverpool’s presence at the UK Parliament was more than a demonstration—it was a statement of how interdisciplinary AI research can shape national innovation agendas.
From legal systems to climate solutions, the showcased projects exemplify how responsible AI development, rooted in academic integrity, can address global challenges with measurable, ethical impact.
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