I began my research journey into the legal sphere of artificial intelligence with a postgraduate master’s degree in law and technology at Queen’s University Belfast.  Coming from a traditional undergraduate degree in law, the world of regulating algorithms, machine learning, and artificial intelligence instilled a sense of excitement and trepidation upon entering an innovative field of study.

Debating and discussing topics including a separate jurisdiction for regulating and prosecuting the Internet of Things, to creating avatars in the Metaverse, was an overwhelming yet incredible experience.  I encountered the Leverhulme Interdisciplinary Network for Algorithmic Solutions (LINAS) in the first semester of my Master’s degree when the Doctoral Scholars came to present their research to our class.  I was fascinated by the diverse range of research fields and how each project was collectively entwined while possessing their unique characteristics.

During the first semester of my Master’s, I was hesitant to apply to a doctorate programme due to imposter syndrome.  However, upon witnessing the comradery of the LINAS programme and the opportunity to expand my knowledge beyond the judicial realm, solidified my decision to apply to the Doctoral Programme.

After submitting my Master’s thesis, I began my research within the LINAS programme.  Coming from a structured class environment to having an office space and organising a diary for meetings for the first time was an adjustment but hopefully I have the hang of it now!

The endless opportunities provided by LINAS to meet and discuss with academics across various fields of research has been advantageous in further developing my communication and critical thinking skills.

I was informed that the transition from Master’s to PhD would be daunting, and to become accustomed to isolated studying.  Within the first week of beginning my doctorate, that fabrication was swiftly dispelled.  I was welcomed into the LINAS cohort with open arms.  The ability to sit around a table with your peers at lunch or weekly study groups has not only academically benefited me but also instilled a sense of community within the Institute.  From a work-life balance perspective, the programme has been exceptional in being able to provide support for my medical condition.  Additionally, allowing the flexibility to be able to train and participate in the sport of triathlon while studying is greatly appreciated.

Academically the interdisciplinary aspect of LINAS has been an enormous asset to my research project which concerns the relationship between humans and drones.  With access to a wide range of subjects including physics, computer and social sciences, politics, and history, I can gain a holistic understanding of connections between themes within my research.

As my research concerns the legal implications of the relationship between humans and drones, the ability to be able to attend LINAS seminars that discuss and debate the computer science behind algorithmic decision-making, and the social ramifications big data and artificial intelligence can have on society, is extremely valuable.

I am immensely grateful to be part of a doctorate programme that is surrounded by an enthusiastic team of Doctorate Scholars and academics that are committed to solving the contemporary dilemmas posed by artificial intelligence and big data.

Caragh is in the first year of her LINAS Doctoral Training Scholarship. 

The LINAS Doctoral Training Programme (DTP) seeks to develop a cohort of Doctoral Scholars who can address the implications of massive-scale data processing, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for both the actual operation of algorithmically driven public decision-making in wider society, and within science and engineering.