Law on Trial 2026: AI and the Future of the University - Panel Evening
When:
—
Venue:
Birkbeck Main Building, Malet Street
This Law on Trial Panel Evening brings together leading experts to critically explore the implications of AI for universities.
The emergence of generative AI is already causing sweeping changes to law, politics, the economy and indeed the private lives of individuals. It presents unprecedented challenges for universities, in both education and research, reshaping the economy, the professional work-world and the public sphere in ways that demand a response.
The pace, complexity and obscurity of change has made informed critical reflection difficult. The dominant narrative across the sector so far has been that, since everyone else is doing it, we must ‘embrace the positives’ of AI.
But should we be so enthusiastic to integrate these addictive slop-bots into every facet of university life? How might AI change British universities? What genuine benefits might AI bring, and what dangers does it involve? And how should we respond?
This Law on Trial Panel brings together leading experts to explore these and other questions about AI's implications for universities.
It will include an audience Q&A, and will be followed by a drinks reception.
Speakers:
Dr Fred Cowell - is Reader in International Law and Head of Research for the Faculty of Business and Law, Birkbeck, has published extensively on human rights law, and is a Labour Councillor in Lambeth with responsibility for Digital, Data and Resident Experience.
Dr Rob Farrow - is Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Educational Technology at the Open University, and has published extensively on the potentials and challenges of new technologies in open and critical educational contexts.
Prof Chris Newfield - is Research Director of the Independent Social Research Foundation, and has published extensively on the problems of neoliberalism and its impact on universities.
Chair: Dr Victoria Ridler (Head of Birkbeck Law School)
Contact name: Craig Reeves
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