Bio:
Professor Duncan Brumby is a globally recognized expert in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), dedicated to understanding how digital tools shape human behavior, productivity, and well-being. At University College London (UCL), he directed the MSc HCI program, educating the next generation of technology researchers and practitioners. As Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Human-Computer Studies (IJHCS), he oversees the publication of research that advances human-centered technology design.
Duncan’s research addresses two of the most pressing challenges in technology today: managing the pervasive impacts of smartphone use and exploring the transformative potential of generative AI. Collaborations with organizations like Microsoft Research, the BBC, and EDF Energy have translated academic insights into practical solutions. Recognized with Best Paper Awards at CHI and CSCW, his contributions span over 100 publications and have been cited more than 3,400 times (h-index 31), underscoring his sustained influence on the field.
A distinguished international speaker, Duncan is celebrated for engaging diverse audiences with clarity and insight. He has delivered over 80 keynotes and invited talks at leading institutions, including Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, Microsoft, and Google. Whether addressing packed auditoriums, connecting with virtual audiences, or contributing to public discourse through outlets like the BBC and Times Radio, Duncan excels at making complex ideas accessible and actionable for students, professionals, and industry leaders alike.
Duncan’s ACM involvement reflects his leadership and dedication to advancing HCI while addressing critical social issues at the intersection of technology and society. A long-standing contributor to ACM SIGCHI, he has served on program committees since 2012, including roles as Subcommittee Chair for CHI 2018 and 2019. During the pandemic, he organized the first virtual Doctoral Consortium at CHI 2020, fostering innovation and inclusivity for early-career researchers. His recent research reflects a strong commitment to social justice, including studies on how marginalized communities navigate barriers on social networking platforms to participate in climate activism, as well as investigations into the challenges faced by crowdworkers in the modern gig economy.
Available Lectures
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Generative AI: Lessons from Dickens for the Information Age
Generative AI is transforming how we work, learn, and create, offering significant opportunities while raising important ethical and practical challenges. In this timely lecture, Professor...
- The Smartphone Paradox: Essential Yet Distracting
How often do you check your phone? If you’re like most people, it hasn’t been long. Smartphones, the defining innovation of the last two decades, have revolutionized how we...To request a tour with this speaker, please complete this online form.
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- The Smartphone Paradox: Essential Yet Distracting