Karen is a Professor and pioneer in human-centred digital innovation with 30 years of experience at the forefront of AI, behavioural research and emerging technology. Her expertise lies in integrating an understanding of human behaviour into the design of digital systems, creating technology that is ethically grounded, intuitive and built around the people who use it. Her record as an early adopter is exceptional: she built her first website and touchscreen interface in 1994, deployed one of the first AI systems in 1997, led an early transition from print to digital in 1999, and created a pioneering open online course in 2005 that has since reached over 22,000 learners. She has worked across gaming, digital health, education, financial services and defence, with clients including PlayStation, ITV, EDF, Accenture, EY and the NHS. Her applied research has delivered measurable impact at scale. As part of the UK Govt’s national 5G strategy, Karen led a £1.2 million 5G innovation testbed in Brighton and a £1.3 million data project with Gatwick Airport. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, her Impact Case Study evidenced £28 million of inward investment and placed her university second nationally for research power. Karen is Co-Director of The BRAINS Lab, a Non-Executive Director and Trustee of the UK Government’s £22 billion pension scheme, and the Founder of Human Centred Futures.