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 Strathclyde's hub for impactful research, collaborative bids, engagement and networking—shaping policy, technical design and regulation in Scotland, the UK and internationally. Scotland's AI Strategy 2026-2031 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, Strathclyde 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, Strathclyde Business School
Dr Blair Brown
Principal Knowledge Exchange Fellow
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