The Faculty of Arts and Humanities is proud to launch its new campaign: Beyond the Algorithm: Shaping AI for People, Not Just Progress.
In collaboration with colleagues from across the university — including the Centre for Machine Intelligence and the University of Sheffield AMRC — this campaign explores the profound impact of artificial intelligence on society.
From reimagining creativity to transforming legal practice and challenging our ethical frameworks, the initiative highlights both the promise and the perils of AI. Together, we ask: how can we ensure AI serves humanity, not just innovation?
“This campaign celebrates the essential role that Arts and Humanities research has in guiding AI towards a future that is technologically advanced, but also socially responsible, culturally rich, and deeply human.” - Nikki Dibben, Director of Research and Innovation for the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.
What to expect?
As well as showcasing the cutting edge research happening across the faculty in the field of AI, the campaign features brand new videos covering topics including:
The human cost of AI - profit over protection
With: Philosopher Sarah Moth-Lund Christensen, Digital Humanities scholar Kate Simpson, and Andy Bell, Head of Research & Innovation at the AMRC.
Focus: A critical discussion on the overlooked risks of AI — bias, power, accountability — and why the arts and humanities must be part of the conversation.
How AI Is changing music: creativity, copyright, and the future of songwriting
With: Nikki Dibben, Professor of Music & Guy Brown, Professor of Computer Science
Focus: How AI can support musical creativity while raising questions around authorship, creative labour, and the future of human expression.
AI lawyers are here – can you trust artificial intelligence for legal help?
With: Sheffield law students & Adam from the Sheffield Citizen and Legal Advice Service
Focus: Real-world testing of whether AI can offer legal advice.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next in the Series?
Future videos will spotlight:
- AI for Research in the Arts & Humanities: How large-scale datasets, once too vast to use effectively, are now opening new research frontiers.
- Teaching AI in the Arts: How we’re embedding AI literacy into arts and humanities education — equipping students to critically engage with this fast-evolving technology.