Rob Heyman

Rob Heyman is a Senior Researcher at the Interuniversitair Micro-Elektronica Centrum since February 2016, affiliated with the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). He holds dual roles as a postdoctoral researcher in both the Studies in Media, Innovation and Technology and Communication Sciences departments.

Education & Research Focus: His work centers on privacy, smart city technologies, and ethical AI governance. He has supervised at least one master's thesis on social media activism in Flanders, co-authored over 76 publications, and actively participates in international conferences. Notable projects include developing frameworks for cultural sector digital transformation and promoting inclusive digital transitions for social enterprises.

Grants & Collaborations: Leads or co-leads 13 projects, including EU-funded initiatives like DIGIT-ABLE and SHALGO. Collaborates extensively with institutions like the University of Hasselt and multiple Belgian research centers. Engages in interdisciplinary work spanning technology ethics, citizen data utilization, and AI policy design.

Public Engagement: Authored expert commentary on privacy risks in media (2016) and frequently presents at academic conferences globally. His research bridges technical innovation with societal impacts, emphasizing transparency and equitable technology implementation.