James A. Hendler

James A. Hendler is the Tetherless World Professor of Computer, Web and Cognitive Sciences at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), where he serves as Director of the Rensselaer Future of Computing Institute and the RPI-IBM Artificial Intelligence Research Collaboration. He previously held leadership roles at the University of Maryland, College Park, including Director of the Joint Institute for Knowledge Discovery and Head of the Autonomous Mobile Robotics Laboratory.

• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Current)
• University of Maryland, College Park (Former)

Dr. Hendler's research focuses on the Semantic Web, artificial intelligence, knowledge representation, ontologies, intelligent agents, and Web Science. He has pioneered efforts in open government data sharing and cognitive systems, contributing significantly to the development of the Web Ontology Language (OWL) as co-chair of the W3C Web Ontology Working Group. His work bridges technical innovation with societal impact, particularly in data transparency, AI policy, and education.

The 15 most recent publications and key works reflect a strong trajectory in semantic technologies, AI, and interdisciplinary web science. Themes include intelligent agents, ontology modeling, open data, AI funding, and the societal implications of AI. His publications span foundational technical works and broader societal commentary, demonstrating a career deeply engaged with both research and public discourse.

• 2000 AAAI Effective Expository Writing Award for "Is there an intelligent agent in your future"

Dr. Hendler has advised over 60 PhD students across institutions, mentoring leaders in AI, robotics, and semantic technologies. He has secured significant research funding and delivered influential tutorials on AI grant acquisition. His leadership extends to major collaborative initiatives such as the RPI-IBM AI Research Collaboration and the Web Science movement.

He is a key figure in the Tetherless World Constellation at RPI, a multidisciplinary research group exploring the future of computing, data, and cognition. He co-organized the seminal 2005 Web Science Workshop with Tim Berners-Lee and Wendy Hall, helping to establish Web Science as a distinct field. His research teams have worked on DARPA-sponsored cognitive systems and AI planning, and he continues to lead cutting-edge AI and semantic web research through institutional collaborations.