The Durham Dialogues on Law, Code and Society

The Durham Digital Law Dialogues brings together leading voices from academia, policy, legal practice, civil society, and the technology sector to critically examine how law can respond to rapidly evolving technological change.

Through two expert panel discussions and a dedicated works-in-progress workshop, the event provides a unique forum for rigorous interdisciplinary debate on some of the most pressing challenges of the digital age.

The Dialogues are designed to foster meaningful exchange across disciplinary and professional boundaries, connecting legal scholars, computer scientists, policymakers, regulators, practitioners, and civil society advocates. Alongside the keynote discussions, the workshop will showcase cutting-edge research from early- and mid-career scholars from Durham, Sheffield, Glasgow, and Swansea, creating opportunities for critical feedback and collaboration on work at the forefront of digital law and governance.

Full details of the event in the brochure: Durham Dialogues Brochure.pdf 

Opening remarks – Dr Zhiyu Li. Associate Professor in Law and Policy, Durham Law School.

Panel 1: Regulating AI, But How?

• Sue McLean, Bird & Bird; Society for Computers and Law
• Noura Al Moubayed, Department of Computer Science, Durham Universit
• Nuala Polo, UK Policy Lead, Ada Lovelace Institute

Chair: Dr Stergios Aidinlis, Durham Law School

Panel 2: Regulating Identity and the Body: Biometrics, Facial Recognition and Surveillance Technologies

• Catherine Easton, Lancaster University
• Pardis Tehrani, University of Sunderland

Chair: Dr Stergios Aidinlis, Durham Law School

Works-in-Progress Workshop

Teaching AI to Contextualize the Law: AI-Generated Definitions from UK Statutes and Case Law

• Dr Livio Robaldo, Swansea University

Discussant: Dr Moritz Osnabrügge, Durham University

The Secrecy Paradox: Algorithmic Opacity and Trade Secret Protection of AI-Powered Medical Devices

• Dr Ezinne Igbokwe, University of Sheffield

Discussant: Dr Stergios Aidinlis, Durham University

The Transparency Solution: Governing Algorithms in the UK Music Streaming Industry

• Dr Aline Iramina, University of Glasgow

Discussant: Dr Chao Wang, Durham University

Algorithmic Entrenchment

• Dr Mauricio Figueroa, Durham University

Discussant: Dr Jiahong Chen, University of Sheffield

Computational Law and Cybersecurity

• Dr Kaspar Ludvigsen, Durham University

Discussant: Dr Aline Iramina, University of Glasgow

Smart Social Contract: A Participatory Approach to Policy Research on Regulating Smartified Public Communications

• Dr Jiahong Chen, University of Sheffield

Discussant: Dr Kaspar Ludvigsen, Durham University

AI Governance in China: Recent Developments

• Dr Chao Wang et al., Durham University and collaborators

Discussant: Dr Ezinne Igbokwe, University of Sheffield

The Evidential Reliability of Agentic Systems: A Socio-Technical Framework for Industrial Liability

• Dr Stergios Aidinlis, Rebecca Owens et al., Durham University and collaborators

Discussant: Dr Livio Robaldo, Swansea University

Featured Book Talk

Geopolitical Union: Europe's Attempt to Take Back Control of Technology Regulation

A conversation with Professor Benjamin Farrand, Chair of Law and Emerging Technologies and Deputy Dean, Newcastle Law School, exploring the geopolitical dimensions of technology regulation, digital sovereignty, and Europe’s attempt to become a global regulatory power.

Full details of the event in the brochure: Durham Dialogues Brochure.pdf 

Organising committee

Mauricio Figueroa, Becca Owens, Stergios Aidinlis and Kaspar Ludvigsen – Durham Law School.