Presenting my Laidlaw research in Parliament this week was such a surreal and special experience.
Sharing my poster in a space where real policy conversations happen felt incredibly meaningful. My research looks at how people respond to AI, particularly how traits like empathy, warmth and agreeableness influence trust across different cultures. As AI becomes more integrated into everyday life, understanding the human side of these systems feels more important than ever.
What made the day so powerful was realising that behavioural science genuinely has a place in conversations about responsible and ethical AI. These discussions are not just about technology. They are about people, perception, and trust.
I am so grateful to the Laidlaw Scholars Programme for giving me the opportunity to conduct this research and present it in such an inspiring setting. Laidlaw has pushed me to think bigger, lead with confidence, and step into rooms I once only imagined being in.
Very thankful to be part of this community.
Hi, I’m Katie McGowan, a Psychology undergraduate at the University of Leeds and a 2025 Laidlaw Scholar.
My academic interests centre around human behaviour, social influence, and cultural psychology. This summer, I’m researching how cultural background and perceived empathy in artificial intelligence influence consumer trust — a project that brings together my fascination with social psychology and cross-cultural dynamics.
Outside of academia, I’m passionate about women’s rights, youth leadership, and community impact. I’ve volunteered with organisations including Let Me Know (LMK) and Jewish Women’s Aid (JWA), helping to raise awareness around healthy relationships and gender-based violence. I’m also a Holocaust Educational Ambassador, committed to promoting dialogue, reflection, and education around collective memory and human rights.
I currently serve as a School Representative for Psychology, advocating for students and working with staff to ensure that student feedback leads to meaningful change. Leadership, empathy, and representation are values that guide everything I do.
Outside of my academic and voluntary work, I love travel and adventure — I hold an Advanced Open Water Scuba Diving certification, and I’m always looking for new ways to explore both above and below the surface.
I'm especially interested in how research and leadership can create real-world change, and I’m always open to connecting with others who share those goals.
Please sign in
If you are a registered user on Laidlaw Scholars Network, please sign in