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Dr Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas is a Lecturer and Assistant Professor in the School of Computing Science at the University of Glasgow, where she also serves as Director of the Animal-Computer Interaction Lab within the GIST research section. She specialises in the design and application of computer technology focused on the interface between animals, computers and people, creating animal-centred systems that enable animals to manage their environment and social connections on their own terms. Her research examines the impact of these technologies on animal behaviour, cognition and welfare through deployments in homes, commercial settings and zoos internationally.
Over the past decade, Dr Hirskyj-Douglas has led the development of novel multimodal and interspecies technologies, securing over £1.4 million in research grants, including a European Research Council Starting Grant (2026-2031) and a Royal Society of Edinburgh Fellowship. Her work has received global recognition through features in Netflix’s ‘Future of’ series and a TED Talk, along with extensive international media coverage. She serves as an editor for the International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, is a member of the ACM ACI International Conference Steering Committee, and regularly acts as Associate Chair for ACM CHI, DIS and TEI conferences. In 2026 she was appointed to the Animals in Science Committee sponsored by the UK Home Office, and she is an invited member of the Scottish Primate Research Group. She has delivered keynotes at multiple international conferences and contributed to policy and guidelines on technology for animals in zoos.
Explore University of Glasgow's CreatureConnect project, where technology allows lemurs and humans to share sensory experiences, boosting welfare, empathy, and conservation.
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