Matt Ratto

Matt Ratto is the Associate Dean of Research and full Professor at the Faculty of Information, University of Toronto. He is well-known for his groundbreaking conceptual work on "Critical Making," a field that integrates critical reflection with physical fabrication to explore the societal implications of emerging digital technologies. His research employs critical theories from the humanities and social sciences to develop novel design paradigms and socio-technical systems. Ratto was the Bell Canada Human-Computer Interaction Chair (2018-2023) and the founding director of the Bachelor of Information program. He leads the Semaphore and Critical Making Labs, whose projects range from 3D-printed prosthetics and the Internet of Things to inclusive design. His work has garnered numerous prestigious awards and research funding to advance innovation at the intersection of technology and society.

• Present·University of Toronto·Associate Dean of Research, Full Professor
  • Responsible for the research strategy of the faculty, leading teaching and research efforts at the Faculty of Information.
• 2018-2023·University of Toronto·Bell Canada Human-Computer Interaction Chair
  • Conducted research in human-computer interaction, advancing user experience and usability technologies.
• 2018-2020·University of Toronto·Founding Director, Bachelor of Information Program
  • Established and oversaw the early development of the Bachelor of Information degree program.
• Circa 1980s·Personal Software Company·Founder
  • Founded a software company in California at the age of 11, developing software for the Commodore PET and Apple II.

• 2003·University of California, San Diego·PhD
  • Research focused on software and society, with a dissertation examining the Linux operating system and its socio-economic implications.