Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies Research Institute (AIDTRI)
The Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies Research Institute (AIDTRI) was established in 2025 as Liverpool John Moores University’s focal point for internationally excellent research and knowledge exchange in artificial intelligence and advanced digital technologies.
AIDTRI brings together expertise across computer science, mathematics, and allied disciplines to advance both the foundations and real-world application of AI and digital technologies. The Institute addresses complex societal, industrial, and environmental challenges by combining rigorous theory with deployable, responsible, and human-centred solutions.
The Institute is led by Professor Ivan Olier, who provides strategic and academic leadership across AIDTRI’s research portfolio and external partnerships.
Our mission
AIDTRI exists to:
- advance world-leading research in artificial intelligence and digital technologies.
- translate foundational advances into impactful, real-world systems and services.
- act as a catalyst for interdisciplinary collaboration within the University and with external partners.
- support responsible, trustworthy, and inclusive innovation that delivers societal benefit.
The Institute plays a central role in delivering LJMU’s Strategy 2030 and Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) Plan, strengthening the University’s national and international profile in AI-driven research, innovation, and policy engagement.
What we do
AIDTRI’s research spans the full pipeline from theory to deployment. Our work includes, but is not limited to:
- foundational AI and digital technologies: algorithms, models, theory, and evaluation methods that push the state of the art.
- applied and translational research: digital twins, decision-support systems, robotics, intelligent networks, and AI-enabled platforms developed with real users and partners.
- cross-cutting methodology and impact: trustworthy and explainable AI, causal inference, privacy-preserving and secure systems, human-centred design, and reproducible research practices.
Through this integrated approach, the Institute delivers research that is scientifically rigorous, socially responsible, and ready for adoption.
Collaboration and impact
AIDTRI works closely with partners across industry, healthcare, government, and the third sector, both in the UK and internationally.
The Institute is actively involved in major collaborative programmes, including large-scale UK and Horizon Europe projects, and supports innovation through knowledge exchange, policy engagement, and demonstrator development.
By co-designing solutions with stakeholders, AIDTRI ensures that research outputs contribute to:
- improved health and wellbeing
- sustainable and resilient infrastructure
- environmental protection and conservation
- secure, inclusive, and trustworthy digital systems
People and research culture
The Institute is home to a vibrant research community of academics, postgraduate researchers, early-career researchers, and external collaborators.
AIDTRI is committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing research culture, with strong emphasis on mentoring, doctoral training, interdisciplinary working, and responsible research practice.
Through its research groups, seminars, workshops, and international collaborations, AIDTRI provides an environment in which innovative ideas can flourish and translate into meaningful impact.