Research & Impact: Shaping the Future of Responsible Communication
"The true foundation of technology is humanity. In the past, technology was used to conquer the barriers of space and time. In the future, however, communication technology must evolve to bridge the distance in the human mind. This project aims to drive that shift—moving from a mere 'pursuit of efficiency' to a true 'resonance of souls.' By building on an open-source framework, this initiative empowers people to define the warmth of technology, which is, without a doubt, the right direction forward."
Research Direction & Belief
Our research addresses a fundamental socio-technical question: How can technology be designed to foster deeper human connection and build a better society?
We approach this through following core research pillars, bridging the gap between technological efficiency and human resonance:
Pillar 1 AI Simulation for Cognitive Reflexivity
Shifting away from AI as a mere "answer engine" and moving toward AI as a multi-perspective simulator. By modeling diverse stakeholder reactions, our tools give users a temporary "third-party perspective" to pressure-test their communication before real-world harm occurs.
Pillar 2 Mitigating Algorithmic Bias & Stereotypes
Investigating how large language models mirror and amplify societal biases (such as gender and professional stereotypes) so we can intentionally build counter-mechanisms and fairer communication frameworks.
Pillar 3 Affective Computing & Human Resonance
Exploring how emotional tone impacts AI systems, shifting the metric of AI success from pure computational speed to genuine emotional connection and mutual understanding.
Selected Outputs:
Selected Publications:
Our open-source solutions and social advocacy are firmly anchored in rigorous research, including these selected publications:
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Introducing AIRSim: An innovative AI-driven feedback generation tool for supporting student learning.View Publication
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Gender stereotypes in artificial intelligence within the accounting profession using large language models.View Publication
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An exploratory study of AI participants’ views on using AI in business hotels.View Publication
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An Exploratory Study of How Emotion Tone Presented in A Message Influences Artificial Intelligence (AI) Powered Recommendation System.View Publication
Selected Tools:
Our commitment to social advocacy extends beyond theoretical research into practical application through these custom-developed, open-source tools:
🧰 AIRSim (AI Responses Simulator)
Overview
Gathering real-world participant feedback is often high-friction, expensive, and time-constrained. AIRSim utilizes generative AI (built on advanced LLM architectures) to simulate realistic, contextually grounded participant responses to user-uploaded questionnaires based on precise demographic parameters like nationality, age, and gender. The tool demonstrates how Generative AI can enhance education through data simulation and scenario-based learning.
Media Coverage
How AI is Transforming Hospitality Education through Simulated Diners
Science Matters
🧰 Meerkat E
While our communication tools bridge the distance between human minds, our spatial tools deploy AI to visualize and protect our physical environment.
Overview
Meerkat E is an AI-powered analytical chatbot designed to interface directly with complex Earth Observation (EO) data. Built using foundational multimodal LLM frameworks and specialized prompt engineering, Meerkat E allows researchers and environmental advocates to simply upload complex satellite imagery—such as atmospheric data from the Copernicus Browser—and receive immediate, natural-language spatial and socioeconomic impact reports.
In a landmark case study analyzing the spatial impacts of wildfire pollution over Los Angeles, Meerkat E processed invisible atmospheric gas data—including Carbon Monoxide (CO) levels captured by the Sentinel-5P satellite—to deliver a comprehensive, multi-layered environmental analysis. By isolating high-concentration pollution hotspots like the Coastal Los Angeles Hotspot from standard background atmospheric baselines, the system successfully automated spatial cluster identification.
Media Coverage
University of Chester study tackles impact of LA wildfires
The Standard
The Mirror Project
Building on the knowledge and experience from our previous work, 'Mirror' is the first phase of the coconsider initiative, which aims to facilitate social and behavioral change.
[Academic Research] ➔ [Open-Source Solutions ]➔ [Social & Behavioral Change]
The Mirror Framework
The goal of 'Mirror' is to explore and promote how to utilize AI Simulation technology to help people engage in more effective, thoughtful, and responsible communication.
The 'Mirror' simulates the perspectives and reactions of various stakeholders, helping users reflect on the potential impact of their words before they send a message. Its core value lies in providing a "third-party perspective" as a comparative mirror:
Framework Core Commitments
- It does not censor: It never provides a single "standard" answer, nor does it use AI to censor or restrict human expression.
- It acts as an objective friend: It functions like an objective companion, gently reminding users of potential blind spots they might have overlooked.
- It drives long-term change: Its ultimate goal is to subtly alter habits over time, building behavioral change at both the individual and societal levels.
Join the Movement
While changing ingrained communication habits is highly challenging, any meaningful shift requires someone willing to take the first step. As an open-source initiative, the success of coconsider relies entirely on the active participation of people.
Whether you are here to test the solutions freely, offer optimization suggestions, or help spread the word, we sincerely invite and welcome any constructive ideas. You can journey with us through a variety of roles, including, but not limited to: founding supporters, advisors, ambassadors, advocates, or researchers.
If you would like to explore how you can get involved, share your ideas, or discuss collaboration opportunities, please reach out to Prof. Kelvin Leong.
Email: k.leong@chester.ac.uk