Technology can transform the way we live our lives and redefine what it means to be human
Research area overview
How can we ensure that technological change happens responsibly and that it promotes an equitable and sustainable society?
Our world is filled with technologies which transform our lives in numerous ways. Yet, as history shows, most of the ways in which technology changes our lives are neither intended nor anticipated. For instance, the internal combustion engine didn’t just replace horse-drawn carriages with cars. It also enabled produce to be grown in far-off places and for people to live further from work. This radically altered the size and shape of cities, created food-growing regions in temperate climates and literally changed what’s on our dinner plates. It has also fuelled wars in regions that produce crude oil.
Technology influences our choices and what we do – how we rest, play, live, work and think. Technology shapes what we notice, reflect upon, seek out, try to avoid and tell others about. It even affects how we understand ourselves, how we interact with each other and what we expect of one another.
Project and theme highlights
- ‘Helping Hands’ – elevating hands-on training and helping to save lives with advanced wearable devices.
- ‘Informal governance from below’ – exploring platform autonomy of ride-hailing drivers in Bogotá’s gig economy.
- 'Mapping AI’s role in NSW governance' - exploring a socio-technical analysis of GenAI integration.
Other research streams and topic areas in this theme include:
Technology and human rights
This research area explores how emerging technologies – from AI to digital surveillance – impact fundamental human rights. It investigates both the risks and opportunities, aiming to ensure that innovation supports equity, privacy, freedom, and justice. By bridging technical expertise with ethical, legal, and social perspectives, the work helps shape responsible tech development that protects and empowers people.
Ethical artificial intelligence
This research area explores how AI can be designed, developed, and deployed in ways that are fair, transparent, and accountable. It brings together technical, legal, and social perspectives to address issues like bias, privacy, and decision-making in AI systems – ensuring that innovation aligns with human values and serves the public good.
Mobile neuroscience
This research area explores how portable technologies – like wearable sensors (i.e. brain sensors) and mobile apps – are transforming the way we study and support brain health in everyday environments. By moving neuroscience out of the lab and into real-world settings, our research enables more inclusive, responsive, and personalised insights into cognition, emotion, and mental wellbeing.
Contact us
At TD Research, we don’t just study problems – we work across disciplines and public and private sectors to co-create solutions and navigate positive paths forward. Our approach blends systems science, socio-cultural insight and design-led innovation to tackle challenges that no single field can solve alone. This is one of our competitive advantages and what makes us so unique.
By partnering with us, you gain access to a world-class team that’s skilled in navigating complexity, fostering collaboration and turning bold ideas into actionable strategies. Together, we can shape a more inclusive, resilient and forward-looking society.
To learn more and to see how TD Research can help you and your organisation, email TDResearch@uts.edu.au.