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Staff Profile

Dr Lei Shi

Senior Lecturer in Human AI Interaction

Background

Hello, I'm Lei. I am the Director of Haii Lab, an Associate Professor (Senior Lecturer) in the School of Computing, the Chair of the Board of Examiners (BoE) for MSc HCI, the Deputy Degree Programme Director of MSc Digital Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship (Software Engineering Specialist), and the Postgraduate Research Admissions Tutor for the School. My academic journey has been enriched by experiences at esteemed institutions, including Durham, Liverpool, and Warwick universities, prior to my tenure at Newcastle.

I am currently a member of the EATEL Board's managing committee. This year, I am the Local Chair for ECTEL2025, bringing the prestigious conference to Newcastle and celebrating its 20th anniversary. I am also the co-chair for Community, Place & Social Events at ECSCW2025. Previously, I served as the Communication Chair for ECTEL2024, a local organiser and Web Chair for AIED2022 and EDM2022, the Proceedings Chair for IoT2022, and the Workshops and Tutorials Chair for AIED2023.

To prospective full-time and visiting PhD students:

I welcome applications for PhD studies throughout the year. To be eligible, candidates should possess (or be nearing the completion of) an undergraduate (BSc) or postgraduate (MSc) degree in any of the following fields: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Applied Statistics, Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Sciences, Experimental Psychology, Learning Science/Engineering, Applied Linguistics, Instructional Design, Industrial Design, Innovation Sciences, or a closely related field. As a PhD student, you will thrive under the guidance of a diverse and experienced academic team, with me as your primary supervisor. You will also join the vibrant community within the Haii Lab at the School of Computing, Newcastle University, interacting with a group of fellow scholars passionate about computing and innovation. Regarding the application process, please contact me via email to initiate a discussion on potential research themes and any questions you may have. In your email, please attach:

  • A clearly articulated research proposal that outlines your envisioned study.
  • A detailed CV and a persuasive cover letter that highlights your academic journey and your fit for the PhD programme.
  • Two robust letters of recommendation that attest to your scholarly potential.
  • Academic transcripts and certificates from your BSc and MSc studies.
  • Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS, Duolingo), if applicable.

Explore project ideas and find inspiration on the Projects page. Check out who my current PhD students are.


Research

At the core of my research lies a mission to reimagine and transform human-AI interactions, a goal I pursue by integrating rigorous human-computer interaction (HCI) principles with cutting-edge AI technologies. My work explores innovative pathways for humans and AI to collaborate as true co-creators, with an unwavering commitment to grounding these interactions in critical ethical, legal, and societal (ELS) considerations. This ensures that technological advancement never comes at the cost of human values or social good.

My research is driven by a passion for empirically testing and refining AI-powered interactive systems - systems designed to not only perform well, but to actively enhance human potential. Specifically, I focus on developing technologies that foster creativity, boost productivity, enable adaptability, expand participation, and centre diversity, inclusion, and heterogeneity. These values are non-negotiable: they define AI systems that are efficient and ethically responsible, technologically advanced and socially beneficial.

My work spans a diverse array of high-impact applied fields, where I investigate how human-centric AI can drive meaningful progress. These sectors include education (e.g., adaptive learning tools), design (e.g., AI-augmented creative workflows), publicity (e.g., ethical content moderation), cybersecurity (e.g., user-friendly harm detection), healthcare (e.g., patient-centric AI diagnostics), and well-being (e.g., mental health support tools). Across all these areas, I maintain a sharp focus on the ethical and societal implications of AI, ensuring that innovation serves the public good.

Currently, I serve as the Lead of FAMOUS: Fake Activity Market Observation System of Unethical Services, a project funded by the European Media and Information Fund with a €400,000 grant. FAMOUS addresses the growing European crisis of fake online activity by disrupting the underground market ecosystem that fuels disinformation, influencer marketing fraud, phishing scams, and counterfeit product sales. Our core deliverable is a suite of specialised, accessible tools for social media platforms, regulatory bodies, researchers, marketing agencies, and the general public—all designed to track deceptive activities in real time and generate actionable insights to combat harm.

In addition, I am a co-lead for the EPSRC-funded AGENCY project, "Assuring Citizen Agency in a World with Complex Online Harms" (EP/W032481/2). This interdisciplinary initiative brings together computer scientists, social scientists, legal experts, and community stakeholders to develop evidence-based scientific methods, user-centric technologies, and collaborative societal frameworks. The project’s ultimate goal is to empower individuals to reclaim and exercise agency online, even in the face of sophisticated, evolving harms like deepfakes, algorithmic bias, and online exploitation.

To learn more about the details of my current projects, please visit here. For my full, up-to-date list of publications, please refer to my Google Scholar profile.

Teaching

I am the module leader for CSC8611 Human-Artificial Intelligence (AI) Interaction & Futures

Before joining Newcastle, at Durham University, I was the module leader for COMP2261 Artificial Intelligence and delivered its Machine Learning sub-module. I also created a new module, COMP3647 Human-AI Interaction Design.

I am also supervising student projects in:

  • CSC3094 - Major Project and Dissertation in Computer Science
  • CSC8609 - Project in Human-Computer Interaction
  • CSC8499 - Project and Dissertation for MSc in Advanced Computer Science
  • CSC8429 - Capstone Project for Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship
  • CSC8099 - Project and Dissertation for MSc Computer Science
Publications