- Prof Tim Jordan
I’ve been interested for some time in the political, economic and cultural significance of the rise of internet and digital technologies—in all their forms from online games, to smartphones, to search engines and so on. I come from a sciences studies and a protest and social movement studies background. I’ve worked with a range of methods, for me the question I’m asking determines what a useful method is and that has included observant participation, visual analysis, interviews, statistical analysis and case study work. I’m interested how the intersections of different kinds of human, non-human and more-than-human actors structure power in our worlds.
My last major project was on the digital economy. It explored case studies in search, social media, games, service delivery and free services to construct a theory of the digital economy as one sector of a wider economy. Following from this research I have been exploring the idea of what ‘information’ means (also picking up from some of my earlier work on information politics) through a range of case studies, including Disney, 3D printing and identity technologies. I’m not really sure where this will lead and that is one of the things I prize about curiosity driven socially relevant research.
Find out more about Tim's research on his UCL Profiles page.
- Dr François Sicard
One part of my research focuses on the in-silico design of biohybrid nanomaterials for healthcare and environmental engineering, with applications spanning industrial and biomedical processes. I use statistical physics, machine learning, multiscale modelling, and high-performance computing to explore novel material systems. Examples of these include nanoparticle-stabilized emulsions for 3D printing and biological encapsulation, and synthetic films and membranes for natural gas storage and seawater desalination.
Beyond the technological design of biohybrid nanomaterials, I am interested in exploring the role of co-production in advancing healthcare innovation. Specifically, I focus on how collaborative approaches can enhance the in-silico design process, fostering a deeper understanding of illness and patient needs in the very early stages of development. This approach is particularly important for designing Vaccine 2.0 to combat antimicrobial resistance, where integrating diverse perspectives can lead to more effective and socially relevant solutions.
My work also involves developing statistical methods and integrating machine learning algorithms to analyse complex, high-dimensional data from biological and financial processes. Additionally, I explore the impact of AI and blockchain technologies on modern science and society, particularly through the project “Blockchain, Diversity, and Inclusion” (BloDI), which examines how blockchain technologies intersect with cultural and societal factors.
Find out more about François' research on his UCL Profiles page.