Maria-Luciana Blaha

Maria-Luciana Blaha is an Assistant Professor in Business Management and Intelligent Automation at Heriot-Watt University, affiliated with the School of Social Sciences and Edinburgh Business School. She leads the Intelligent Automation Systems (IAS) Lab and coordinates the Graduate Apprenticeships in Business Management Year 1 program. With a PhD from the University of Aberdeen and extensive professional experience across sectors, her research focuses on AI, RPA, chatbots, and their impact on organizational behavior. She was awarded the 2023 Early Career Researcher of the Year by the School of Social Sciences.

Education:

• PhD in Business Management, University of Aberdeen (Elphinstone Scholarship, British Federation of Women Graduates Bursary)

Research Interests: Blaha investigates Intelligent Automation systems, posthumanism, organizational behavior, and ethical AI adoption. Her work bridges science/technology studies, business management, and computing science. Current projects include automation in Ghana/UK manufacturing, ethical AI frameworks for healthcare, and generative AI in HR.

Grants & Projects (2025-):

• TransiT: Decarbonisation via Digital Twinning (EPSRC)
• Lighthouse Project: SME Manufacturing Audit (Innovate UK)
• Local Authority AI Readiness Review (Interface Scotland)

2024 Projects:

• Thermo Fisher/National Robotarium AKTP (Innovate UK)
• Extend Robotics Feasibility Study (Interface Scotland)

Media & Outreach: Blaha contributes to Scottish AI Alliance initiatives, speaks globally on AI/automation, and engages in public lectures like the 'Age of AI' series. Her media features include Financial Times and pandemic-era fact-checking insights.

Labs & Teams: Leads the IAS Lab, collaborates with National Robotarium, and oversees AKT projects with industry partners.