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Staff Profile

Dr Lei Shi

Associate Professor

Background

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

I am currently a member of the managing committee for the EATEL Board. This year, I will be the Local Chair for ECTEL2025, bringing the prestigious conference to Newcastle, and celebrating its 20th anniversary. Previously, I was the Communication Chair for ECTEL2024, a local organiser and Web Chair for AIED2022 and EDM2022. I also served as the Proceedings Chair for IoT2022, and the Workshops and Tutorials Chair for AIED2023.

To prospective full-time and visiting PhD students:

We 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, Applied Linguistics, Instructional Design, Industrial Design, Innovation Sciences, or a closely related field. As a PhD student, you’ll thrive under the tutelage of a diverse and experienced academic team, with me as your primary supervisor. You’ll also join the vibrant community within the Haii Lab and Open Lab, at the School of Computing, Newcastle University, engaging with a cohort of fellow scholars passionate about computing and innovation. Regarding the application process, please reach out via email to initiate a dialogue on potential research themes and any queries 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.

Have a look at who my current PhD students are.


Research

At the core of my research is a mission to transform human-AI interactions. By integrating the principles of human-computer interaction (HCI) with advanced AI technologies, I explore innovative pathways for humans and AI to collaborate and co-create. My work is deeply rooted in ensuring that these interactions are guided by ethical, legal, and societal considerations.

My passion for empirically investigating AI-powered interactive systems fuels my research. I am committed to developing technologies that enhance creativity, productivity, adaptability, participation, diversity, inclusion, and heterogeneity. These values are essential to creating AI systems that are not only efficient but also ethically responsible and socially beneficial.

My research spans a wide range of applied fields, including education, design, publicity, cybersecurity, healthcare, and well-being. I am deeply engaged in exploring how AI can advance these sectors, with a strong focus on the ethical and societal implications. By merging HCI and AI, I aim to significantly contribute to the development of intelligent systems that are both high-performing and conscientious.

I am currently the Lead of FAMOUS: Fake Activity Market Observation System of Unethical Services, a project funded by the EMIF with a grant of €400,000. Our mission is to combat the growing threat of fake activities in Europe by disrupting the fake accounts market ecosystem that drives disinformation. In partnership with Luxembourg's IRiSC Research Group, we are tackling critical issues such as influencer marketing fraud, phishing scams, and counterfeit product sales. Our goal is to develop specialised tools for social media platforms, regulators, researchers, marketing agencies, and the public to track these deceptive activities and generate meaningful insights.

In addition, I co-lead the EPSRC AGENCY project, "Assuring Citizen Agency in a World with Complex Online Harms" (EP/W032481/2). This project aims to establish interdisciplinary scientific methods, technologies, and collaborative societal approaches to empower individuals with online agency in the face of complex online harms.

My current projects can be explored here, and my up-to-date publication list is available on Google Scholar.




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