Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt Kt FREng FRS

Sir Nigel Shadbolt is Professor of Computing Science at the University of Oxford and Principal of Jesus College, Oxford. He undertakes interdisciplinary research in Computer and Engineering science. He has researched Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Science, Computational Neuroscience, and the emerging field of Web Science. His work has advanced our understanding of intelligent behaviour in humans and machines. A major current research interest is to understand and design effective Social Machines. Social Machines are systems at web scale comprised of people and computers that can solve problems and achieve tasks beyond any of the individual elements.

His has also researched and promoted the use of open data. He has been central to the development and practical implementation of open data policy and helped establish the UK as internationally leading in this area.

Alongside his Oxford appointments he is Chairman and Co-Founder, with Sir Tim Berners-Lee, of the Open Data Institute. He seeks to promote the fundamental importance of computer science and the practical application of his research. He has provided advice and guidance across Government as well as undertaking specific Reviews for Government.

Professional position

  • Professor of Computing Science, Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford

Subject groups

  • Computer Sciences

    Computer science (excl engineering aspects), Artificial intelligence, machine learning, vision

  • Engineering and Materials Science

    Computer engineering (including software)

  • Other

    Public engagement, Science education at secondary level, Science policy

Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt Kt FREng FRS
Elected 2017
Committees Participated Role
Committee Advising Council on General Candidates November 2022 - October 2023 Member
Online Information November 2019 - November 2025 Member
Human Transformation November 2019 - November 2025 Member
Nominations Committee January 2019 - December 2021 Member
Education Committee January 2018 - December 2026 Member
Milner Award Committee January 2018 - December 2024 Member