Artificial Intelligence and Social Justice

This PhD research opportunity at the University of Leeds examines the relationship between artificial intelligence and social justice. The project explores how AI is transforming governance, decision-making, and resource allocation, and how it affects social inequalities across race, class, gender, sexuality, disability, and citizenship. Successful candidates will develop a highly original research project examining spatial dimensions of power in relation to AI, which may include analyzing government adoption of AI, studying harmful effects on specific populations, or exploring resistance to AI-caused harms. Research may focus on case studies such as policing, borders, counterterrorism, or specific technologies like facial recognition. Candidates are encouraged to develop their own proposal related to AI and social justice with no geographic limitations. The position is based in the School of Geography under the supervision of Dr Matthew Abbey and will be part of the Social Justice, Cities, Citizenship research cluster. While based in Geography, applicants from adjacent fields such as sociology, politics, and cultural studies are encouraged to apply, particularly those with knowledge of anti/de-colonial studies, Black studies, critical race theory, disability studies, gender studies, neurodiversity studies, queer theory, and other critical approaches to power, knowledge, and space.