معرفی
Rachel O’Dwyer is a Lecturer in Digital Cultures at the School of Visual Culture, National College of Art and Design (NCAD), Dublin. She holds a PhD from Trinity College Dublin (2014), an M.Phil. in Music and Media Technologies (2009), a B.A. Honours in Fine Art (Digital Media) from IADT Dun Laoghaire (2006), and a City & Guilds Diploma in Sound Engineering (2007). Her research explores the intersection of digital cultures and cultural economies, focusing on how digital networks transform ownership, value, and production of art, knowledge, and information. She critiques neoliberal logics in blockchain and algorithmic systems, advocating for a return to commons-based models.
Education:
- PhD, Trinity College Dublin (2014): Spectre of the Commons: A Political Economy of Radio Spectrum
- M.Phil., Trinity College Dublin (2009): Music and Media Technologies
- B.A. Honours, IADT Dun Laoghaire (2006): Fine Art (Digital Media)
- City & Guilds Diploma, Sound Engineering (2007)
Research Interests:
Rachel’s work interrogates money, algorithms, AI, and their implications for cultural production and resistance. She investigates the role of blockchain in crypto-art, freeports, and art markets, while also examining how IoT and 5G reshape payments and surveillance. Her critical lens extends to the political economy of communications, digital value systems, and tactical media strategies like Openhere and D.A.T.A.
Scientific Awards:
- 2018: Fulbright Scholar Award (Blockchain & Art)
- 2018: RIA Charlemont Scholar Award
- 2014: SFI Public Engagement Grant
- 2010-2014: Science Gallery Seed Funding
Advising & Grants:
Rachel has coordinated modules in the history of creative industries and designed MOOCs on technology and society. She organized the Openhere festival (2012, 2014), Data Politics conferences (2016), and Quantified Self events (2011). Her current book project with MIT Press examines radio spectrum ownership.
Labs & Teams:
She is a core member of the P2P Foundation’s academic research network and coordinates the Orthogonal Methods Group (OMG) at Trinity College Dublin. She advises the DECODE EU project on data sovereignty and contributes to ADAPT’s Ethics and Privacy Working Group.
