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.