Jamie A Ward

Professor Jamie A Ward is Head of the School of Computing at Goldsmiths, University of London, and holds a Professorship in Computer Science. His research bridges wearable computing, social neuroscience, and theatre studies, focusing on understanding social interaction through body-worn sensors. He earned a PhD from ETH Zurich (2006) and a joint BEng in Computer Science/Electrical Engineering from the University of Edinburgh (2000), alongside a National Certificate in Professional Acting (2011).

His work combines interdisciplinary methods such as:

• Using motion capture and physiological sensors to study autism and live performance
• Developing open-source wearable hardware like the Synchronisation Wand
• Collaborations with UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Keio University, and DFKI

Current projects include the 5-year ERC-funded Neurolive (live performance neuroscience) and SocSensors (wearable support for autistic children).

Grants & Awards:

• ERC Grants (Neurolive/SocSensors)
• Marie Curie Fellowship (2006-2010)
• General Chair: Augmented Humans 2023

Key contributions include:

• Real-time physiology integration into music performances
• Sensor systems for measuring audience-actor synchrony
• Designing wearable tech for autism research

He leads the Computing department and maintains visiting roles at UCL and Keio University.