Paul Henman

Professor Paul Henman is a Professor of Digital Sociology and Social Policy at the School of Social Science, The University of Queensland. He serves as a Chief Investigator and Lead of the Social Services Focus Area in the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision Making and Society (ADM+S). With degrees in sociology/social policy and computer science, he bridges digital technologies and their societal implications. His research focuses on AI, automated decision-making in government, and digital welfare systems, emphasizing ethical, legal, and social dimensions. Key projects include developing trauma-informed AI tools and a data navigation tool for legal professionals. He has authored influential works like Governing Electronically and Performing the State.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Advanced Science, The University of Queensland
• Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology, The University of Queensland
• Postgraduate Diploma in Education, The University of Queensland

Research Interests: Digital government, automated decision-making systems, AI ethics, digital welfare state, and the socio-political impacts of technology on public policy and governance.

Advising & Grants:

• Supervised over 30 PhD and Master’s students on topics like digital mental health, social cash transfers, and AI in public services.
• Lead on grants including the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society (2020–2027) and projects on disability insurance schemes and e-government structures.

Labs/Teams: Part of the ADM+S Centre, SocioHealthLab, and UQ Bioarchaeology and Osteology Network (BONE) Research Group.