Alan Rubel

Alan Rubel is a Professor and Director of the Information School at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He also serves as a member of the Department of Medical History & Bioethics and an affiliate of the UW Law School. His research focuses on information ethics, policy, and law, particularly addressing privacy, surveillance, algorithmic decision-making, and bioethics. Rubel holds a PhD in Philosophy (2006) and a JD (2003), both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has held academic positions since 2010, including visiting researcher roles at the 4TU Centre for Ethics and Technology in the Netherlands. His work bridges philosophy, law, and technology, emphasizing ethical challenges in automated systems and data-driven societies.

Education: PhD in Philosophy (2006), JD (2003), both from UW-Madison. Professional roles include former Director of the Center for Law, Society & Justice, and prior fellowships at Johns Hopkins and Georgetown Universities. Rubel’s interdisciplinary approach addresses contemporary issues like learning analytics, neurotechnology ethics, and digital privacy.

His research highlights privacy in higher education, ethical implications of AI, and bioethical dilemmas in emerging technologies. Notable contributions include the book Algorithms and Autonomy: The Ethics of Automated Decision Systems (2021) and influential articles on algorithmic transparency, surveillance, and information fiduciaries.