Law, Ethics, New Technology and Medical Law

Summary

The Law research unit at Ulster University invites PhD proposals from applicants in our emerging research specialisms of legal technology, ethics and medical law.

Ulster’s Centre for Legal Technology is a recently launched research centre examining innovation at the intersection of law and technology. In its infancy it has already secured grants for cutting edge research on the role of artificial intelligence in judicial decision making.

We welcome proposals for projects that examine the potential of emerging technologies to enhance legal practice, legal education and public services, as well as related ethical, regulatory and inclusivity issues.

Our second emerging research specialism is in ethics and medical law. We are interested in projects engaging with the ethical and regulatory challenges and the epistemic uncertainties associated with new biotechnologies.

We also have expertise in the protection of vulnerable groups in medical and biotech contexts, reproductive rights, mental health law and drug control.
PhD proposals in these areas may draw on the Law unit’s wider expertise in human rights, equality, social justice and transitional justice, international law or citizenship.

We can also consider topics with a wider focus on legal innovation and legal ethics (eg technology as a tool for legal participation or research) if the proposal aligns with the priorities of the Northern Ireland Programme for Government or Sectoral Action Plans.

We are an interdisciplinary research unit and welcome applications that cut across our research themes (for example, human rights and the social determinants of mental health; the role of AI and other emerging technologies in peacebuilding, conflict or the welfare state; drug control and questions of social justice).

Projects may involve other disciplines, including but not limited to computing, medicine, life and health sciences, philosophy, public administration and linguistics. Where appropriate, we can also consider co-supervision with colleagues from other institutions.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000* (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available for home candidates, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period.