UK university combining computational neuroscience expertise with leadership in AI ethics and responsible innovation governance across European research programmes.
De Montfort University (DMU) is a UK university based in Leicester with a distinctive dual expertise: computational neuroscience (as a long-standing partner in the Human Brain Project) and AI ethics and responsible innovation governance. They help shape European policy frameworks around ethical AI, privacy, and responsible technology deployment. On the applied side, they contribute to energy behaviour change tools, smart meter analytics, and assistive living technologies.
Led SHERPA (ethical AI/smart information systems) and EMBRACE (RRI in emerging tech); participated in TechEthos, RRING, LIV.IN, GRRIP, COMPASS, REELER, and PREFET — all focused on ethical governance of technology.
Participated in all three Human Brain Project phases (HBP SGA1-3) and the ICEI e-infrastructure project, contributing to neuroinformatics, brain modelling, and neuromorphic computing.
Coordinated EDI-Net (smart meter data analysis); participated in eTEACHER (energy behaviour change tools), SAVES2 (student energy savings), and GEOTeCH (geothermal heating/cooling).
Coordinated emiT (electromagnetic time reversal for fault detection in power lines) and partnered in PETER (electromagnetic risk management training network).
Coordinated ACROSSING (assisted living platforms) and PROGRESSIVE (ICT standards for active ageing); participated in 3D Tune-In (hearing aid gamification).
In 2015-2018, DMU's work centred on computational neuroscience through the Human Brain Project (brain simulation, neuroinformatics, HPC) alongside applied energy projects like smart meter analytics and geothermal systems. From 2019 onward, their focus shifted decisively toward AI ethics and responsible innovation governance — projects like SHERPA, TechEthos, EMBRACE, and GRRIP dominate the later portfolio. The neuroscience thread continued through HBP SGA3, but new projects almost exclusively address the societal implications of emerging technologies rather than the technologies themselves.
DMU is positioning itself as a go-to European partner for the ethical governance dimension of AI and emerging technology projects — expect them to seek roles in Horizon Europe missions where responsible AI assessment is required.
DMU is an unusually active coordinator for a mid-sized university — they led 14 of 34 projects (41%), often in Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) where they convene networks and set policy frameworks. They also participate comfortably in very large consortia like the Human Brain Project (100+ partners). With 371 unique partners across 38 countries, they operate as a network hub rather than a repeat-partner institution, making them well-connected for consortium building.
DMU has collaborated with 371 distinct organisations across 38 countries, giving them one of the broader partnership networks for a university of their size. Their reach spans all of Europe with connections extending globally through the Human Brain Project and RRI networks.
DMU bridges the gap between deep technical research (brain simulation, electromagnetic engineering) and the ethical-societal assessment that EU programmes increasingly require. Few universities can credibly contribute both to a neuroscience computing infrastructure AND lead the ethics work package in the same programme area. For consortium builders, DMU offers a proven coordinator who can handle the responsible innovation and societal engagement dimensions without being purely a social science add-on — they understand the technology they are assessing.
