University showcases AI leadership at Liverpool’s Pioneering International Summit

This week, the University of Liverpool played a leading role in the Liverpool City Region's first International AI Summit, demonstrating the region's world-class artificial intelligence (AI) expertise, fostering partnerships, and sharing an inspiring vision for the future of AI in the UK.

The University is a proud partner of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) and was delighted to be part of the Summit as a critical anchor institution committed to helping to drive the Region's 'AI for Good' agenda.

The landmark event brought together the brightest minds in AI, including global industry leaders, cutting-edge researchers, and innovative local businesses.

During the Summit, the University of Liverpool, LCRCA, and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance the ambitious "Meta-Liverpool" initiative. Led by the University's Digital Innovation Facility (DIF), Meta-Liverpool is an innovative, city-scale digital asset and policy modeling tool, comparable to those being developed by leading smart tech cities worldwide.

Building on their longstanding collaboration in innovation, the partners aim to leverage the Meta-Liverpool platform to unlock new opportunities in science, research, business, and investment. The initiative also seeks to deliver significant civic benefits for the Region, reinforcing its position as a global leader in digital transformation.

At the event, the University contributed to discussions on how AI is addressing real-world challenges - from healthcare transformation to revolutionising education - and driving a fairer, more inclusive society:

Professor Andy Cooper, Academic Director of the Materials Innovation Factory (MIF) and Director of the Leverhulme Research Centre for Functional Materials Design, delivered a compelling "World-leading LCR Showcase" elevator pitch. His presentation highlighted the AI for Chemistry Hub and the world's first AI-powered mobile robots that automate chemical synthesis.

Professor Katie Atkinson, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Director of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Sustainability Research, joined the panel on "AI, Ethics, Trust, and the Law." She discussed her groundbreaking work on AI models transforming law firm operations by automating routine tasks, enabling lawyers to focus more on client engagement and case strategy, and improving access to justice.

Professor Iain Buchan, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Innovation and Director of the Civic Health Innovation Labs (CHIL), presented at the session "AI for Good: Real-World Impact Today." He showcased CHIL's efforts in addressing critical public health challenges, including antimicrobial resistance, pandemic preparedness, rising mental health issues, and complex care needs.

The University used the opportunity to highlight the breadth of its AI-driven innovations through interactive exhibitions and engaging "meet the innovators" sessions. Experts from our world-class centres, including the Digital Innovation Facility (DIF), Virtual Engineering Centre (VEC), Civic Health Innovation Labs (CHIL), the Computational Biology Facility (CBF), Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network (SAVSNET), and the Centre for Doctoral Training in Data-Intensive Science (LIV.INNO), showcased their groundbreaking work.

The University also engaged with investors, spotlighting its cutting-edge spin-out companies, including AI-Sight, which is reducing vision for people with diabetes, and SenseAI, a pioneer in transforming image capture and analysis.

WATCH: Tackling Global Challenges with AI Innovations video

Professor Tim Jones, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool said: "One of the University's founding missions is to address the grand challenges of our time. It was inspiring to see our academics sharing their world-leading expertise on issues that impact so many lives. Innovation flourishes through collaboration, and events like the AI Summit ignite new partnerships and drive transformative change. AI is reshaping the way we work and live, and its influence will only deepen in the years to come."

Information for University of Liverpool staff

If you want to generate impact and income from your knowledge and research, collaborating with organisations outside academia might be the path. Take a look at our Research Partnering Toolkit here.

Digital research at Liverpool is focused on bringing together the University of Liverpool's Digital research community across all three Faculties. Read more and sign up for the internal bulletin here.

Contact

This activity was supported by the University of Liverpool's Research, Partnerships and Innovation Marketing Team. For inquiries, contact [email protected].

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