Professor Daniel Neyland will join Professor Dimitra Simeonidou in leading the institute as it moves into a new phase of operation in its Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus home.
Daniel has worked with the institute since early 2022, and brings a history of sociotechnical research, with particular interests in issues of accountability, responsibility and values in science, technology and organisation.
Using ethnographic methodologies, he has studied a vast array of topics, including algorithms; security and surveillance; traffic management, airports and speeding drivers; waste; biometrics and even malaria vaccines.
Daniel said:
“This is a hugely exciting time to be joining BDFI in this new role. The institute now sits at the heart of a truly impressive stream of sociotechnical research and innovation at the University of Bristol, and I’m looking forward to working with Dimitra and across BDFI’s diverse community of researchers and partners.”
There will be an opportunity early in the New Year for academics and partners to meet Daniel and explore potential projects.
Bristol Digital Futures Institute has developed steadily since its launch in 2019 and now employs 11 staff and 12 academics, with 32 associate academics across a wide variety of schools and 28 industry, community or governmental partners.
Recently launched projects include an examination of graduate recruitment challenges for the telecoms industry, explainable AI with general insurance providers LV=GI and matching digital and physical product design prototypes.
Through 2023 it will develop, test and launch new facilities including the Neutral Lab and Reality Emulator. It will also complete work on becoming a testbed for research facilities working towards Net Zero carbon emissions.
Daniel’s appointment follows Professor Susan Halford’s four year tenure in post – during which time she helped to establish and launch BDFI. Susan will continue to work closely with BDFI supporting its activities and mission and as the key link to the new BDFI-linked ESRC Centre for Sociodigital Futures.
Susan commented:
“We have laid the foundations for a step-change in how we think about and do digital innovation. With ten outstanding new academic appointments already in place, and ten more to come, there is no doubt that BDFI will go from strength to strength under Daniel and Dimitra’s leadership.”
BDFI Co-Director Professor Dimitra Simeondiou added:
“I am delighted to welcome Daniel as academic Co-Director. His experience working across disciplines and with partners, alongside his intellectual leadership in sociotechnical research, will be a huge asset to the institute and its community.”