AI, digital and infrastructure
As a world-leading University for sport, researchers at Loughborough University have strong ties with policymakers working in this space. Moreover, the University’s research speaks to broader themes around health and wellbeing including crime reduction, gambling harm in children and minimum income standards.
The Policy Unit supported a number of colleagues from across the University with their submissions to the Industrial Strategy Green Paper, which was published in November 2024. The Unit was actively involved in follow-up discussions with policymakers, in particular with the Department for Business and Trade which led the consultation. The University has a range of expertise on the eight high-growth sectors.
Colleagues at the University’s TRansport AI innovation Centre (TRAICE) are experts in AI and transport and have worked with regional policymakers on the application of generative AI in the public sector. The group organised a workshop which brought authority partners together, alongside other policy stakeholders to discuss the increased efficiency that generative AI brings but also the ethical considerations policymakers must take into consideration when using this technology.
As part of the CoSTAR Foresight Lab, Dr Vicki Williams and Professor Graham Hitchen have developed a range of responses foregrounding the innovation opportunities and future possibilities at the intersection of AI, digital technologies and the creative industries. Heading up the Lab's policy function, they have responded to the House of Lords AI and Creative Technology scale-up inquiry, submitted evidence for the Industrial Strategy and are currently coordinating a response to the AI and Copyright Consultation led by the IPO, DSIT and DCMS.
Professor Varuna De Silva of Loughborough London is the Parliamentary Thematic Research Lead for AI & Digital, working with Select Committees and others in the Houses of Parliament three days per week. Research Leads work with staff from across Parliament to improve the use of evidence-based research in policy decisions. Dr De Silva is one of only eleven Thematic Research Leads, eight of whom are from Russell Group universities.
Professor Tim Watson, Director of the Cyber Security Centre at Loughborough University, is a Director of Science and Innovation at the Alan Turing Institute. He leads the Defence and National Security Grand Challenge which aims to ensure data science and AI plays a part in protecting the UK and its allies from security threats.
Research spotlights
Cyber security
Dealing with the ever-evolving cyber threats facing Governments and bodies such as the health service
Creative industries
The CoSTAR will build the first national R&D infrastructure for the Creative Industries and fuel growth for our creative economy
Loughborough University Policy Unit
Loughborough University’s Policy Unit provides a channel for the University’s research and researchers to realise productive and beneficial impact on public policy, at local, national and international level through promoting an evidence-based approach to practical on-the-ground projects responding to public policy challenges.
If you’d like to get in contact with the Policy Unit, please email policy@lboro.ac.uk, or call +44 (0)20 3805 1343.