UNIC PLU participates in the 116th Annual Conference of the Society of Legal Scholars

The UNIC PLU Director, Dr Nicolas Kyriakides, together with our Research Associate Ms. Eva Manolova, recently participated in the 116th Annual Conference of the Society of Legal Scholars, held at the University of Leeds from 2-4 September 2025.

At this significant gathering of legal scholars, Dr Kyriakides and Ms. Manolova presented a paper on private international law, exploring the challenges posed by the governance of artificial intelligence (AI) across jurisdictions. Their presentation delved into how ethical standards can be reconciled with the realities of jurisdictional pluralism: i.e. the co-existence of multiple legal systems or norms which may apply to AI depending on geography, regulatory frameworks, and institutional design.

A unique feature of this year’s conference was the decision not to adopt a single unifying theme, enabling participants to present on a wide range of subjects, ensuring fresh perspectives and cross-disciplinary engagement.

The SLS 2025 conference, hosted by Leeds Law School in the Parkinson Building with sessions also held in the Baines Wing, offered an inspiring programme. Attendees were treated to plenary sessions including “The Research User: Engagement, Impact and Co-Creation” and “Interdisciplinary Approaches and Methodologies in Law,” among many subject section meetings and social events such as the annual dinner at the Royal Armouries.

Dr Kyriakides and Ms. Manolova’s work contributes to vital ongoing debates around how AI regulation can be made responsive to both ethical imperatives, such as fairness, accountability, transparency, and to the complex legal landscapes that cross national and regional boundaries. Their research is particularly timely given increasing AI deployment, cross-border digital interactions, and divergent regulatory approaches.

More details about the SLS 2025 conference can be found here.