School of Social and Political Science

Groundbreaking project unites young survivors and AI scientists to combat online gender-based violence



A pioneering initiative is launching today, marking the first time computer scientists, social scientists, and young survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) have collaborated directly to develop AI tools capable of detecting and mitigating online misogyny. 

The project, a collaboration between the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University, represents a significant shift in how online safety is approached. The team has developed innovations that not only detect harmful content but propose AI-generated ‘counterspeech’ - strategies designed to deescalate and challenge abuse in real-time. 

Bridging the gap between code and lived experience 

Unlike traditional technical solutions developed in isolation, this project places the lived experience of young people at the core of AI development. 

Dr Claire Houghton of the University of Edinburgh team said: "This project bridges the gap between the algorithms that shape our digital lives and the human beings affected by them. By working alongside young experts and GBV practitioners, computer scientists are ensuring that the technology created is not just smart, but socially responsible and survivor-centred." 

High-profile launch event 

The results of this initial phase will be unveiled at a launch event featuring key stakeholders in Scottish policy and global AI research. 

  • Ministerial Address: The event will open with a virtual address by Natalie Don-Innes MSP, Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise and joint Ministerial lead for the First Minister’s Taskforce on Online Harm.
  • Youth Leadership: Young experts will present a graphically designed report outlining their vision for the future of AI safety. Their contribution will be welcomed by COSLA (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities).
  • AI Visionary: The event will conclude with reflections from Professor Verena Rieser, Senior Staff Research Scientist at Google Deepmind and the project's original visionary. 

Technical innovation 

During the event, computer scientists will demonstrate the practical applications of the research. Attendees will see how the new models automatically identify GBV content and how counterspeech interventions can offer a new line of defence against online hate. 

The project team views this as an important step toward a safer internet, proving that interdisciplinary collaboration is the key to solving complex digital societal problems.  

Translating this collective effort into tangible action, Heriot-Watt is now developing a web-based ‘Support Buddy’ designed to detect and combat online Gender-Based Violence (GBV). This tool is intended to be a publicly downloadable resource, ensuring widespread accessibility. Looking ahead, the project will also honour recommendations from young participants by co-creating educational materials for schools based on workshop findings. 

Additional information 

About the Project: This is a collaborative research project tackling online gender-based violence through the intersection of social science and computer science. 

Key Partners: University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University, Rape Crisis Scotland, Young Scot 

Launch Event Date/Time: 24 November 2025, 4pm  

Location: University of Edinburgh, Informatics Forum, 10 Crichton St, Edinburgh 

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