About
Wijnand IJsselsteijn has a background in artificial intelligence and cognitive neuropsychology (Utrecht University, NL). He obtained his PhD from Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e, NL) on the topic of telepresence. Since 2012, he is full professor of Cognition and Affect in Human-Technology Interaction at TU/e. He has an active research program on the impact of technology (esp. AI and XR) on human psychology, and the use of psychology to improve technology design. His work is focused on enhancing human learning, interpersonal communication, social connectedness, health and wellbeing, and improving quality of life for people living with dementia. Through his combined neuropsychology and AI background, as well as a strong affinity with applied ethics and inclusive, value-sensitive design, he brings an interdisciplinary perspective to the design and engineering of technology, as well as critical reflection to the personal and societal effects of living with technology.
Prof. IJsselsteijn is scientific director of the interdisciplinary Center for Humans and Technology at TU/e, which explicitly includes user-centred and value-sensitive perspectives on technology understanding and design. He is co-director of the Expertise Centre for Dementia & Technology (www.ecdt.nl) – a collaboration between TU/e and Alzheimer Nederland -, and scientific board member of the Eindhoven AI Systems Institute (www.eaisi.nl). He has published over 300 academic papers on a wide range of topics and co-edited over 10 books. His work is widely cited (h-index > 70), and applied in academic as well as industry contexts. His recent co-edited books include “Immersed in Media: Telepresence Theory, Measurement, and Technology” (2015) and “Making Design Work: Engaging with Dementia in Context“ (2019).
Declaration of Interest
Prof. IJsselsteijn’s work is currently supported by the Dutch Science Foundation NWO. As co-PI, he was recently awarded the prestigious NWO 25M€ Gravitation grant on the topic of Ethics of Socially Disruptive Technologies (www.esdit.nl), which addresses, amongst other topics, the ethical and ontological ramifications of AI and robotics for humans and society.
Additionally, prof. IJsselsteijn leads the recently awarded QoLEAD program, a 3M€ NWO/ZonMW KIC “Living with Dementia” grant focusing on the role of AI in improving quality of life for people with dementia.
The Expertise Centre for Dementia & Technology receives financial support from Alzheimer Nederland.
Next to this, Prof. IJsselsteijn is the recent recipient of the 2023/2024 Distinguished NIAS-Lorentz Fellowship on the Psychology and Ethics of the Metaverse, and serves in scientific advisory capacity to the ZonMW-Open Competition (health), the Ethical Advisory Board of the Dutch National Police (technology ethics), the Health Holland/ ZonMW Missie Team IV (dementia), and the Scientific Board of CLICKNL (creative industry).