AI research and innovation

The University of Leicester is exploring how artificial intelligence can accelerate research, support innovation, and help address global challenges. We are equipping researchers with the skills, tools and guidance needed to use AI responsibly and ethically, enabling new discoveries while maintaining the highest standards of academic excellence and integrity.

Accelerating discovery through artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence is transforming research across the world. At the University of Leicester, we are exploring how AI can help researchers analyse complex information, identify patterns, accelerate discovery and generate new knowledge.

As a research-intensive university, we see AI as a powerful tool for advancing research and innovation across disciplines. While AI can enhance research capability, human curiosity, expertise, critical thinking and academic judgement remain central to the research process.

Our ambition is to create a research environment where researchers have the confidence, skills and support to use AI responsibly, effectively and ethically to drive new discoveries and maximise research impact.

How AI supports research at Leicester

We are working to create a research environment where AI enhances every stage of the research lifecycle, from literature reviews and data analysis to collaboration, interpretation and impact.

We are helping researchers develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to:

• Analyse large and complex datasets
• Accelerate information gathering and evidence discovery
• Identify trends, patterns and insights within research data
• Strengthen interdisciplinary research and collaboration
• Improve research productivity and efficiency
• Develop innovative approaches to complex problems
• Investigate new research questions and opportunities that may previously have been difficult to explore

By supporting the responsible use of AI, we aim to unlock new opportunities for research excellence, innovation and discovery.

Responsible and ethical AI in research

Universities have a vital role in understanding both the opportunities and risks associated with artificial intelligence.

Our approach to AI in research is grounded in academic integrity, responsible innovation and robust ethical oversight. As AI technologies become more capable, issues such as transparency, bias, accountability, privacy, security and trust become increasingly important.

The University of Leicester is committed to ensuring that AI is used responsibly and critically. Human expertise, informed judgement and ethical decision-making remain essential to high-quality research and the generation of trustworthy knowledge.

Using AI to address global challenges

Many of the world's most significant challenges require new ways of thinking, new methods and new forms of collaboration.

We believe AI can help accelerate research that addresses issues affecting people, communities and the planet. This includes work that contributes to:

• Human health and wellbeing
• Environmental sustainability
• Technological innovation
• Culture and heritage
• Public policy and governance
• Economic and social development

By combining AI-enabled research approaches with Leicester's established research strengths, we aim to generate knowledge that delivers meaningful impact at local, national and global levels.