Award success for law researchers

20th April 2021

Academics from Northumbria University, Newcastle, have won awards for their law research into the use of legal technology and artificial intelligence at a prestigious conference.

Dr Marion Oswald and PGR student Samantha Rasiah picked up their awards at the British and Irish Law Education and Technology Association (BILETA) annual conference held recently at the University of Newcastle. BILETA is one of the oldest and largest technology law associations in Europe.

Northumbria Law School’s Dr Oswald, a leading researcher in the interaction between law and digital technology, won the BILETA European Journal of Law and Technology (EJLT) prize for her paper: 'A three-pillar approach to achieving trustworthy use of AI and emerging technology in policing in England and Wales: Lessons from the West Midlands Model.' PGR student Samantha Rasiah, from Northumbria Law School, was awarded the Post Graduate Research paper prize for her submission based on her empirical research around the use of legal technology, after presenting her research to the conference audience.

Northumbria Law School has a global reputation for research, including investigating the ethical, safe and responsible use of emerging technologies such as AI, which are being adopted in areas of law enforcement and the legal professions more widely.

Commenting on their success Dr Oswald said: “The BILETA conferences are highly prestigious, so to be recognised with these awards by our peers is hugely rewarding. It also reflects the strength, quality and impact of the research we are conducting at Northumbria in areas of increasing importance and relevance such how we use AI and rapidly developing technologies. I would also like to congratulate Samantha on winning the PRG Award.”

Samantha Rasiah added: “It is such an honour to receive this prize and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to share my research with pioneers in my field at BILETA. The engagement and

discussions around my research have been invaluable for my research development. I’d like to congratulate Dr Oswald on her success at these awards too. I’m truly inspired by the impact of her research.”

BILETA was formed in 1986 to promote, develop and communicate high-quality research and knowledge on technology law and policy to organisations, governments, professionals, students and the public. The Association also promotes the use of and research into technology at all stages of education.

For more information on research at Northumbria Law School please visit: www.northumbria.ac.uk/law