MPs hear from UEL experts on AI and youth development

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Published

08 July 2026

Academics from the University of East London (UEL) headed to in Westminster this week to brief MPs, peers and policy experts on some of the UK’s most pressing technological and social challenges, as part of Evidence Week 2026.

The annual event, which runs from 6 to 10 July, brings together leading UK researchers and parliamentarians to provide parliamentarians with independent academic evidence to inform legislation and public policy.

This year, two prominent UEL research entities – the Centre for AI in the Public Sector (CAIPS) and the Institute for the Science of Early Years and Youth (ISEY) – were selected to host briefing sessions inside the House of Commons Jubilee Room.

Image captionDr Katie Daubney, Dr Gemma Goldenberg and Conor Bathgate at Evidence Week 2026

Commenting on UEL’s participation, Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Amanda Broderick said:

UEL is very proud to return to Westminster for Evidence Week 2026. Our participation highlights the vital role that higher education plays in shaping a fairer, more forward-thinking society. Our researchers are tackling some of society's most important challenges, from the responsible use of artificial intelligence to improving outcomes for children and young people. Evidence Week provides an invaluable opportunity to share that expertise directly with parliamentarians, helping ensure that policy is informed by rigorous, independent research.”

Image captionDr Kumar Aniket, Professor Matt Bellgard and Professor Gopalakrishnan Netuveli speaking to Daniel Zeichner MP

Trustworthy AI and public infrastructure

During the week, UEL researchers shared evidence with MPs, peers, and parliamentary staff across two areas of national importance: the responsible use of artificial intelligence in public services and improving outcomes for children and young people.

The CAIPS delegation, led by Professor Matt Bellgard, addressed the governance and infrastructure needed to support the responsible adoption of AI across public services. The team's briefings focused on establishing ethical, secure, and trustworthy frameworks for deploying artificial intelligence within public infrastructure and local services.

Speaking on the urgency of the CAIPS research, Professor Bellgard said:

As artificial intelligence becomes deeply embedded in our public infrastructure, building systems that are transparent, secure, and ethically sound is no longer optional. Our briefings at Westminster aim to equip parliamentarians with the regulatory frameworks necessary to safeguard public trust while driving public sector innovation. By bridging the gap between technological capability and legislative oversight, we can ensure AI deployment actively serves and protects our communities.”

Image captionConor Bathgate at Evidence Week 2026

Supporting early years and youth development

Simultaneously, the ISEY delegation, led by Dr Katie Daubney, shared research on noise in early years settings and children’s learning and wellbeing highlighting evidence that can support future education, health, and social policy.

The team demonstrated how robust evidence can help policymakers better scrutinise complex issues and develop more effective interventions for children.

Their work also reflects UEL's wider Year of Health campaign, which highlights the University's contribution to improving health and wellbeing through research, education, and community partnerships.

Reflecting on the opportunity to brief parliamentarians, Dr Daubney noted:

Optimal development in early childhood is critical to achieving long-term societal health and equity. Our research gives policymakers evidence of the pressures facing children today and specific targets for improving learning environments. Presenting these insights directly to decision-makers gives us the opportunity to influence the health, education, and social policies that will shape the next generation."