Selin Nugent

Dr. Selin Nugent is an anthropologist and data scientist at Oxford Brookes University, serving as Assistant Director of the Centre for AI, Culture and Society (CAICS) within the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics. Her work bridges digital heritage, data ethics, and human cultural evolution, combining

• Computational modeling
• Statistical analysis
• Field-based anthropological research

to address societal impacts of AI and heritage preservation.

Her research spans two streams:

• Reconstructing prehistoric nomadic cooperation networks in Western Asia (South Caucasus and Southern Arabia) via computational and archaeological methods
• Evaluating AI/data technologies in the heritage sector, focusing on
  • Participatory digital engagement
  • Responsible innovation governance

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Key projects include fieldwork at Şərur Valley, Azerbaijan and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bat, Al-Khutum, and Al-Ayn, Oman. She has received awards such as the OBU Knowledge Exchange Award (2024), American Schools for Research in the South Caucasus Fellowship (2019), and Heritage Fellowship (2014).

Notable scientific contributions include:

• Co-developing the RESISTIRÉ app to monitor post-pandemic gender inequalities
• Advocacy for Disability and AI inclusion in workplace technologies
• Advising the World Economic Forum on human-centred AI systems

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Dr. Nugent supervises Manton, J. (2023–present) and seeks researchers in digital heritage, AI ethics, and computational social science.