Spotlight On... Yvonne Rogers

What is your role and what does it involve?

I am the director of UCL Interaction Centre (UCLIC), a centre for research and teaching in human-computer interaction that is concerned with the interactions between people and technology. It is one of the few interdisciplinary centres in the world that seamlessly straddles computer science and psychology. My role involves managing people, being visionary, dealing with lots of admin, hiring great people, giving talks, inspiring students, and lots more.

How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role?

I joined UCL in September 2011 and have never looked back. Before that, I was at the Open University. And before that, I worked in the US.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

I have had a wonderful career and I have enjoyed immensely working at the interface of people and technology. During the last two years, I have been recognized for my various research achievements and have received a number of prestigious prizes and awards, including becoming a member of the US National Academy of Engineering. My colleagues have started to rib me now, ‘not another one!’.

I have also reached that stage of my career where I have been doing more mentoring of staff and students throughout the world, helping them see how they can go far in whatever they want to achieve. I love that part of my job.

Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of your to-do list

I am part of a start-up called LetsThink.com. It is all women which is pretty unusual for a tech company. Our ambition is to develop new tech tools that can enable people to think brilliantly. However, GenAI has somewhat overshadowed our vision making us rethink what we can do to stand out. So, top of my to-do list is to show how we can still design innovative tools for people to think with that can augment and empower them rather than generate content on their behalf.

What is your favourite album, film and novel?

My favourite album is Moby’s Play – I played it endlessly after my soulmate died suddenly much too young. I also enjoy playing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at full blast when I am driving.

I don't have a favourite novel as I am an eclectic reader, but I have always been an Ian McEwan fan and have read all of his books.

One of my favourite films is The Remains of the Day.

What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)?

I don't have a favourite joke as I never remember them. But one that someone sent me yesterday that made me smile was ‘what is green and sings?’ Elvis Parsley.

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

David Tennant, Tilda Swinton and George Clooney.

What advice would you give your younger self?

You got it right. Don't take life too seriously. Seize the moment.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I have been a devoted Man United fan since I was 5 years old even though I was brought up in Watford.

What is your favourite place?

The South Downs.