Since quantum systems are particularly complex, the data generated by them appears noisy, unclear, and even redundant. The aim of the project is to develop machine learning techniques to analyse open quantum systems and extract relevant information."

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Popular machine learning algorithms, such as neural networks, are 'black-box' type models that are inherently not transparent and raise ethical concerns due to their transparency only being considered as an afterthought. Marc aims to challenge these classic algorithms, by utilising radically different ways of deriving insight from data that are inherently transparent in nature and developed in the context of edge computing. 

The LINAS postgraduate programme appealed to Marc as it offers a much greater academic scope than any single disciplinary project could feasibly provide. LINAS provides an engaging integrated environment that allows Marc to amalgamate his computer science background with social sciences to research ethical algorithmic solutions. Marc's research would only be possible through the support and interdisciplinary development opportunities provided by the LINAS Doctoral Training Programme. 

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Karli was drawn to the interdisciplinary nature of the LINAS programme as a result of her experience working within a cyber security organisation and her previous study of Politics and International Studies.   

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Her project will ask how technical solutions for increasing transparency and interpretability might help when seeking to establish legal causation for a violation of the right to non-discrimination and how these might be incorporated into the Ruggie Framework. More broadly, the project takes a critical view on the approach of business and human rights law and the right to non-discrimination in terms of their suitability for regulating the equality impact of machine-learning techniques.

Shania was attracted to LINAS because she wanted to gain an interdisciplinary perspective on contemporary human rights issues. The project is also an opportunity to gain an insight into programmatic thinking. Shania is currently learning Python, a programming language commonly used in machine-learning algorithms.

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This can be seen across social media, commerce and public policy/decision making. It therefore becomes increasingly important to ensure these processes are secure, legally compliant, and safe.

I was intrigued by the multi-disciplinary nature of the LINAS programme, particularly this project of mine which fuses Law with Computer Science, two areas I have great interest in. The nature of the LINAS programme means I am constantly surrounded by experts from a range of disciplines, this is an incredible experience and opportunity.

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Using ethnographic research methods, he is exploring the development of AI-enhanced security systems on the Irish border.

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Anna’s project will seek to address the changing role and responsibilities of market leading technology companies operating within the smart speaker industry; specifically questioning what the corporate digital responsibility of such companies should be, due to their potentially sensing (via smart speaker devices) danger and abuse in the home. This research will involve assessment of the socio-legal, ethical, and technical considerations for the smart speaker industry.

Anna says that she is delighted to be pursuing her PhD with the LINAS DTP. She says “at the time of applying to the LINAS DTP, I was in the middle of my LLM in Law and Technology, and therefore the interdisciplinarity of the LINAS DTP was very attractive, particularly given my interests in socio-legal issues in the technology sphere. I also considered this a great opportunity to learn from academics and students who specialise in disciplines outside of law.”

Dr O’Kelly writes “Anna’s PhD work is directed at perhaps the main interface between people’s uses of technology and the presence of corporate managed devices in our lives. Her investigation will draw out the stark implications these devices pose for how corporate actors to know things and what they know; for the line from electronic sensing to social knowledge; and for the obligations commercial actors might have to respond to information gleaned ‘inadvertently’ from the devices they sell. In short, Anna will forge new frontiers in our understanding of how privacy is reconstructed by technological change.”

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The LINAS postgraduate programme appealed to me because throughout my undergraduate degree in music and postgraduate LLM in law and technology, I have had the inclination to write about topics that are of an interdisciplinary nature. Having worked in the music industry as both an artist and music manager, I have first-hand experience of the struggles these algorithms pose on the capabilities for new musicians to establish themselves and make a career out of their art. The interdisciplinary nature of LINAS provides me with the opportunity to delve deeper and extensively outline the discrepancies in these algorithms, using both my undergraduate and LLM knowledge to overall create a project that intends to inflict a positive impact by creating a foundation for future research and emphasise the importance of this grey area in the field.

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“I am thrilled to be embarking on my PhD journey at Queens within the prestigious Mitchell Institute and LINAS Programme, along with the School of Law. Whilst it was always my ambition to complete my law degree and become a Barrister, I have been drawn to a journey in academia, primarily due to the inter-disciplinary nature of the Law and Technology LLM and now the LINAS programme - both here at Queens. The cross section of this inter-disciplinarity is an intersection that continues to widen, I am thrilled to be in the centre of this continuous development as it becomes more vital for everyone in our daily lives.”

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With the multi-discipline nature of LINAS, I get to engage with students and experts from other disciplines ranging from law to social science on a daily basis and I get to learn their viewpoints across a wide variety of research areas.

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Josh was drawn to the LINAS programme’s interdisciplinary nature from his work in the finance sector and its use of machine learning models on customer data, as well has how their use was communicated to senior stakeholders within the industry. The use of predictive algorithms in industry is a booming trend and programmes such as LINAS are an opportunity to examine the implications with a broader scope.

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