Neil Maiden

Neil Maiden is Professor of Digital Creativity at Bayes Business School, City, University of London, where he also serves as Director of the Centre for Creativity enabled by AI (CebAI). He co-founded the Centre for Creativity in Professional Practice and leads interdisciplinary research at the intersection of software engineering, creativity science, and digital innovation. His expertise spans digital creativity support, requirements engineering, and AI-augmented systems for professional domains.

• PhD in Computer Science, 1992
• Tenured at School of Informatics, City, University of London, 1995
• Promoted to Professor of Systems Engineering, 2003
• Visiting Professor at Ca' Foscari University of Venice, 2017–2019 and 2023–2024

Neil's research focuses on two primary domains: (1) Co-Creative AI for professional work, where he develops computational tools like Sport Sparks and Design Sparks to enhance creative thinking in journalism, design, and sports coaching; and (2) Specifying and designing complex digital systems using advanced requirements engineering methods applied in sectors such as air traffic, healthcare, and defence. His work is grounded in real-world applications, with collaborations involving Rolls-Royce, IBM, NATS, Sunderland AFC, and award-winning newsrooms.

The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong trend toward integrating AI and computational models into creativity support and requirements engineering. Topics include automating journalism, enhancing dementia care, and modeling quality of life goals. Keywords span journalism, AI, software engineering, and digital health, with sub-fields such as generative AI, creative problem solving, assistive technology, and co-creative systems, demonstrating a consistent focus on human-centered innovation.

Neil has been recognized through numerous invited keynotes and peer awards, though specific award names are not detailed in the text.

He has supervised doctoral research and advised on multiple PhD projects, though student names are not listed. His research has been funded by major bodies including UKRI, EPSRC, EU (H2020), Innovate UK, and industry partners, with over £64 million in total project value and direct management of over £10 million at City. Notable grants include CebAI (£3.36M), SCAMPI (£943K), and QUEST (€1.14M).

Neil leads the Centre for Creativity enabled by AI (CebAI) and previously co-founded the Centre for Creativity in Professional Practice. His research teams have developed tools such as BrightSparks, INJECT, and Care’N’Share, and he launched the JECT.AI startup to commercialize creativity support in news and content creation.