Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas

Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas is a lecturer at the University of Glasgow specializing in designing and developing interactive computer systems for animals. Her research focuses on the Internet of Animals, interface design, and animal control systems, aiming to use technology to enhance animals' agency and control. She has designed audiovisual interfaces for monkeys and systems for dogs to make video calls, challenging the notion that technology is exclusively for humans. Her research not only advances animal welfare but also contributes to cross-species communication. She has been awarded an ERC Starting Grant for the FUTUREFAUNA project and received the 2025 British Science Association Award for Digital Innovation research.

• 2020–Present·University of Glasgow·Lecturer/Assistant Professor
  • Designs animal interaction technologies and studies how animals use computers for decision-making and social interaction.

• 2013–2017·University of Central Lancashire·PhD
  • Specific focus unknown but centered on the field of animal interaction technologies.