Donald MacKenzie

Donald MacKenzie is a Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Edinburgh. His research focuses on the sociological analysis of science, technology, and finance, particularly examining how technical systems shape economic and social structures. Current projects investigate AdTech's technical/economic systems and ultrafast algorithmic trading in financial markets.

He holds a BSc and PhD from the University of Edinburgh. His notable works include Trading at the Speed of Light (2021) and Inventing Accuracy (1990). He explores topics like financial modeling's impact on markets, nuclear weapons systems design, and computer system safety protocols.

His research interests span digital advertising's material politics, HFT's socio-technical dynamics, and the intersection of technology with economic policy. He contributes to interdisciplinary dialogues through articles in London Review of Books, Economy and Society, and American Journal of Sociology.

MacKenzie's work often emphasizes 'material political economy,' analyzing how technical infrastructures and regulatory frameworks co-construct economic realities. His recent publications address AdTech's environmental impact, EU privacy regimes, and the carbon footprint of digital advertising systems.