Taha Yasseri named inaugural Workday Professor for Technology and Society at Trinity and TU Dublin

Posted on: 15 July 2024

Professor Taha Yasseri (above) has been appointed the inaugural Workday Professor of Technology and Society at Trinity College Dublin and Technological University Dublin. This new position, funded by Workday with a €2 million investment, is the first Chair of its kind in Ireland.  

Professor Yasseri, who takes up his role on August 1 2024, will also be Director of a new TCD-TU Dublin joint centre for Sociology of Humans and Machines.  

Formerly Deputy Head at the School of Sociology at UCD, Professor Yasseri brings an impressive record in research, teaching, and leadership in computational social science and digital sociology with a focus on digital technologies and collective intelligence.  His appointment marks a significant step forward in examining the intersection of technology and society, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence, online behaviour and the societal impacts of digital innovations.  

Trinity Provost Dr Linda Doyle said: “Trinity is delighted to see Professor Yasseri take up this vital role. At a time of rapid technological change, examining issues around the social impact of digital innovation is crucial for us all. I very much look forward to the research and learnings that this new Chair will generate.”   

Dr Brendan Jennings, Vice President for Research & Innovation at TU Dublin, said: “I am delighted to welcome Professor Yasseri to TU Dublin and I wish him well in his new role. In an era where emerging technologies such as AI are reshaping our world at an unprecedented pace, it is essential that we consider the profound impact of these innovations on our society. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and adopting a holistic perspective, the TCD-TU Dublin joint centre for the Sociology of Humans and Machines will work to ensure that technological progress not only drives economic growth but also promotes the well-being of all communities.”  

Welcoming Taha's appointment, Graham Abell, VP, Software Engineering & Site Lead at Workday Ireland said: "Research at the intersection of technology and society will provide fresh perspectives on opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, as well as uncover new ways to tackle them. Workday is proud to spearhead innovation and support this unique Professorship. We are excited about deepening our partnership with Trinity College and TU Dublin with the appointment of Taha and the new ideas he will undoubtedly spark."  

Professor Taha Yasseri said: “I am honored to take on the role of the inaugural Workday Professor of Technology & Society. This is the first Chair in this area in Ireland, and the multi-institution involvement to create this opportunity particularly appeals to me. This position offers a unique opportunity to advance our understanding of how technology shapes society and to contribute to meaningful research that can inform policy and practice. The Chair comes with a strong commitment to community engagement and contribution to the public discourse around digital technologies.”  

The new Chair will also support the creation of several additional roles, including PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and communication and engagement staff.  

Workday is a leading enterprise platform that helps organisations manage their most important assets – their people and money. The Workday platform is built with AI at the core to help customers elevate people, supercharge work, and move their business forward. 

ENDS  

• Tags:
• Innovation
• Research
• Science