World-leading computing scientist joins Lancaster University

Vicki Hanson, an American computer scientist whose research interests focus on improving access to technology for older adults and disabled people, will join Lancaster’s Data Science Institute (DSI) becoming the institute’s first visiting professor.

Professor Nigel Davies, co-director of Lancaster University’s Data Science Institute, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Vicki is joining Lancaster’s Data Science Institute as a visiting professor. Much of our work is about using data to deliver real benefits to society, from entirely new types of health data systems for augmenting cognition, to sophisticated tools for understanding our local environment.

Professor Hanson has served on multiple agenda setting research advisory boards in both the United States and the United Kingdom, and on multiple editorial boards. Her research aims include creating information technology that is easily used and useful to all, regardless of their perceptual, motor, or cognitive abilities.

“Our goal is to develop new ways of thinking about how people can take advantage of technology, particularly looking at people whose values and abilities have traditionally not been considered in technology development,” she added.