A trans/interdisciplinary approach to the Human-Technology Interface

The impact of the release of ChatGPT in November 2022 is evidence of a major and rapid impact of technology on society, individuals and, if we think in terms of processing power, has considerable potential impact on the environment.

Yet, comprehending the role and effect of technology on society, individuals and environment is one that requires attentions from the disciplines within humanities and social sciences, but in a networked, collaborative and interdisciplinary way – a transdisciplinary way in which we develop analysis with different disciplines but across them also.  

While my particular area of research is concerned with AI and education and social media, education policy making and science, a central theme in this is technology and using an inter/transdisciplinary approach to comprehending the human technology interface. I am therefore proposing to convene and develop the Technology, knowledge and human development theme of the HSS framework.  

Objective

The objective will be to identify, network and promote collaboration between individuals and groups in the school, working in areas that are related to technology, knowledge and human development. The overarching aim will be to facilitate interdisciplinary thinking. This initial proposal will involve regular termly events, workshops, seminars and conferences where people can meet and discuss their research and perspectives, with the aim of facilitating transdisciplinary deliberation and research collaborations. In addition to hybrid and in person termly events, a further aim will be to develop an online presence for internal and external communications about the work of the theme. A final aim is to network across the university and with external organisations who have shared interests.   

The humanities and social sciences bring particular perspectives on the technology, knowledge and human development, which can be explained in terms of theory and concepts but also in relation to lived human experience, practices and individual and group behaviour. I am proposing the following sub-themes that may be used to organise collaboration:

Digital revolution and its impact on society: Investigating the effects of the digital revolution on social structures, communication, access to information, privacy, and surveillance, as well as exploring how digital tools are changing the way people learn, work, and interact.  

Education and technology: Analysing the use of technology in educational settings, such as online learning platforms, adaptive learning, and artificial intelligence in education, and understanding how these tools can improve learning outcomes and bridge educational gaps.  

Technology and inequality: Examining the role of technology in either widening or narrowing social, economic, and digital divides, as well as exploring how to ensure that technological advances benefit marginalized and underprivileged communities.  

Health and biotechnology: Investigating the impact of biotechnology and medical advancements on human development, including personalized medicine, genetic engineering, and telemedicine, as well as addressing ethical concerns surrounding these innovations.  

Environmental sustainability and green technology: Exploring the role of technology in addressing climate change, promoting environmental conservation, and fostering sustainable development through the adoption of clean energy, waste management, and sustainable agriculture practices.  

Ethics and regulation of technology: Assessing the ethical, legal, and social implications of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, and virtual reality, and understanding the need for appropriate regulatory frameworks.  

Technological innovation and economic growth: Studying the relationship between technological advancements, economic growth, and job creation, as well as exploring the impact of automation and digitization on labour markets and workforce development.  

Digital humanities and social sciences: Exploring how technology can enhance research in the humanities and social sciences through digital archiving, data visualization, and computational analysis, while also examining the potential risks and challenges associated with these methods.  

Project benefits 

The overarching aim of this proposal is to develop the theme of technology, knowledge and human development as a hub for the development of transdisciplinary research and collaboration across the faculties, groups and centres in the school. The ultimate measure of success will be in terms of cutting-edge scholarly output, impact in relation to policy, politics, public understanding, and the future economic viability.