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De Montfort University has appointed Simon Rogerson as Professor in Computer Ethics within the Faculty of Computing Sciences and Engineering. It is believed to be the first professorship of its kind in the UK and recognises the field as an important area of technology-oriented research.
As Director of the Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility, Professor Rogerson has pioneered computer ethics research and education. He conceived and directs the ETHICOMP conference series which provides a European forum to discuss the ethical and social impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) development and application. CCSRs web site (http://www.ccsr.cse.dmu.ac.uk/), which he launched in 1996, is now recognised as the worlds leading reference site on the subject and each month is visited by many thousands of people from around the world.
Professor Rogerson leads the "Advances in Social Responsibility in the Information Age" programme that is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council with further sponsorship by Royal Mail. Professor Rogerson said, "The ICT revolution is a social revolution that can bring enormous benefits to everyone but we must always be aware of the potential dangers of such powerful technology. That is why computer ethics research and education is so important."
Professor Rogersons recent publication, "Ethical aspects of information technology: issues for senior executives", for the Institute of Business Ethics, is the first to address computer ethics from a corporate perspective. Professor Rogerson said, "Computer ethics must have practical relevance. Concepts must be applied in such a way that they help practitioners and policy makers in achieving an inclusive technology so that we can all benefit from advances such as smart cards, digital television and virtual reality."
He continued, "There are many social values that are challenged by ICT and its application in everyday life. What is clear is that the consideration and subsequent decisions regarding if, how and when to use computers must be an inclusive rather than exclusive process involving many people, including policy makers, computer manufacturers, computer users and ordinary citizens."
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MEDIA INFORMATION ONLY. Further details from Professor Simon Rogerson, tel. 0116 257 7475, email srog@dmu.ac.uk OR from De Montfort University Public Relations Office, tel. 0116 250 6244