AI-ERA Research Group

Research Focus

The AI-ERA (AI- Ethics, Regulation and Accountability) Research Group – is a cross-discipline research group consisting of researchers focusing on AI and questions of social and environmental impact. The group investigates AI by understanding the technical, commercialisation, and business models as innovation pipelines that can be analysed and understood in terms of ethics, regulation and accountability. Our research examines the state of the art and emerging trends in this AI Era. AI is a global, environmental and social phenomenon that requires innovative research approaches. The research group responds to this challenge by bringing together leading researchers to investigate AI.

Our Research Group

KBS Researchers

Associate Professor Martin Cunneen’s research investigates the societal impacts of machine intelligence technologies, encompassing fields such as Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing, Language Theory and Robotics. His primary focus is addressing the challenges of anticipating and implementing timely and informed AI governance frameworks to inform, regulate and better inform the commercial applications of these transformative technologies.

Ruhi is a postdoctoral researcher on the Xtreme Project. Her research interests lie at the intersection of Law and Technology. In 2023, she published an article titled 'DSA and Vulnerabilities'. Her doctoral research looked at the formation, regulation and governance of Regional Blocs. Ruhi also has a keen interest in the development of learning strategies and pedagogies for higher education and is pursuing a Masters in Teaching, Learning and Development. Ruhi is a postdoctoral researcher, researching the regulation of extended reality technologies. She also facilitates in the day-to-day management of the work flows for the lab.

KBS PhD Researchers

Htike Thu Kaung MSc.
Htike-Thu (Pronounced : tadgh-tu ka-ng) is a PhD researcher on the XTREME project. He focuses on participatory and co-production approach to technology assessment and design for human-centric product development. He has a keen interest in participatory technology assessment, co-production of knowledge, human experiences, privacy by design, and leveraging participatory approaches to tackling biases.

Tanaka is a PhD researcher on the Xtreme Project. She is specialising in trustworthy AI and addressing bias in artificial intelligence systems. Her interdisciplinary work focuses on contributing towards ethical and transparent AI frameworks that ensure fairness, accountability, and inclusivity across diverse applications. Passionate about mitigating algorithmic bias, Tanaka explores ways to build AI systems that align with societal values and promote equitable outcomes.

PhD Student, Certified Scrum Master with an 1st Class Honours MSc in Machine Learning for Finance, 1st Class Hons BSc in Digital Technology Design & Innovation, 1st Class Hons Higher Diploma in Data Analytics & Software Development, and 15+ years experience in senior management positions in financial technology, hedge funds, investment banking & mining sectors. Researching AI, with health tech and technology Governance in terms of Market Development and Commercialisation.

Cross Faculty Researchers

Raymond J. Friel, a graduate of UCC and the University of Exeter, specializes in contract and commercial law, authoring leading treatises in these areas. He has held visiting professorships at prestigious institutions such as Boston College Law School and the University of New Hampshire Law School. His extensive publications appear in renowned journals, including the International and Comparative Law Quarterly and Fordham Journal of International Law. Currently, he serves as Director of the International Commercial and Economic Law Research Group and examines for both the Kings Inns and Law Society of Ireland.

Amanda Clifford, Professor of Physiotherapy at the 51��ɫ, specializes in designing and evaluating interventions to improve health, prevent falls, and optimize rehabilitation in older adults and people with neurological conditions, including Parkinson's disease. Her work explores the role of technology and the arts—such as music and dance—in promoting health and wellbeing. She has collaborated internationally, contributed to European falls prevention networks, and co-developed a patented therapeutic device for neck pain (FLEXOR). Amanda also has a strong interest in pedagogy, interprofessional education, and enhancing teaching and assessment practices in higher education.

International Researchers

A Full Professor of Computer Science at the Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR Berlin), specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering. She is Head of the Computer Science Division and Co-Director of the M.Sc. Digital Transformation programme. A Co-Founding Member of the Institute for Data-Driven Digital Transformation and AGI Sentinel Initiative, she mentors startups and serves as an AI expert at #humanAIze.With over 36 years of experience, Prof. Monett’s research focuses on AI, machine learning, AI ethics, and defining intelligence, including her creation of the Defintly App. Her contributions continue to shape the understanding of AI, its ethics, and its applications, bridging technology, education, and society.

51��ɫ Research projects

Horizon Europe XTREME 8m project led by ITU Copenhagen. Martin Cunneen is the 51��ɫ PI managing a budget of 1m and the UL Living Lab.
Motiverse-P: Research on Parkinson’s Therapeutics and Mixed Reality (Amanda Clifford is the PI and Martin Cunneen the Co-PI)

Recent Research Outputs

51��ɫ, June 2024: Martin Cunneen led a workshop with international researchers on Participatory technology Assessment and Immersive reality
Cambridge University, September 2024: Martin Cunneen led the XTREME Living Lab Panel at Tacit Engagement in the Digital Age (TEDA) 2024 Cambridge University Conference
- As part of the panel, Tanaka Gandidzanwa presented a paper on the Promise and Perils of an Immersive WhatsApp
Dublin, November 2024: Ruhi Anand represented Xtreme Living Lab at the first AI and Art citizens assembly in Dublin. The proceedings of this assembly will be used to advise the policy for the use of AI for Art in Ireland.
Maynooth, November 2024: Ruhi Anand presented a paper on the facade of artificial intelligence and its implications of data work on labour with attention to digital and immersive spaces.