Kate Devlin

Devlin began her university career in the humanities and graduated from Queen's University Belfast in 1997 with a BA (Honours) degree in archaeology. After deciding that archaeology presented her with limited future prospects, she returned to Queen's University to study computer science, and in 1999 she was awarded an MSc in that subject. She then moved to The University of Bristol, where in 2004 she was awarded a PhD in computer science.

Devlin became a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Computing at Goldsmiths, University of London and a departmental Senior Tutor.{{Cite web|url=http://doc.gold.ac.uk/~mas01kd/academic/|title=Dr Kate Devlin|website=doc.gold.ac.uk|access-date=10 June 2019}} and on 1 September 2018, Devlin became the Senior Lecturer in Social & Cultural AI in the Digital Humanities department at King's College London.{{Cite web|url=https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/kate.devlin.html|title=Kate Devlin - Research Portal, King's College, London|website=kclpure.kcl.ac.uk|access-date=10 June 2019|archive-date=17 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817102841/https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/kate.devlin.html|url-status=dead}}

In 2003 Devlin began researching computer graphics in archaeology at Bristol University, rendering 3D computer models of archaeological sites such as at Pompeii with attention to realistically rendering lighting effects caused by the spectral composition of light sources available at the time period in history. This involved experimental archaeology, recreating light sources and analysing the spectral range for each type of candle or fuel lamp.{{cite web|title=Seeing the light|url=http://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2003/1113821398.html|publisher=University of Bristol|accessdate=23 May 2017}}

From 2007 Devlin worked in the field of human-computer interaction and artificial intelligence at Goldsmiths, which included programming, graphics and animation. In 2018 she became Senior Lecturer in Social and Cultural Artificial Intelligence in the Department of Digital Humanities, King's College London.{{cite web |title=2019 FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AWARDS |url=https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2019/01/awards-2019/ |website=Index on censorship |accessdate=30 January 2019|date=15 January 2019 }}

In 2015 Devlin spoke to news broadcasters in the UK about institutionalised sexism within science research and academia after comments made by Sir Tim Hunt regarding women scientists working in mixed laboratories. While Devlin, along with many other commentators, acknowledged the comments to be 'banter' she expressed the frustration that many women have with sexism in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics{{cite web|title=Nobel scientist Tim Hunt criticised for chauvinist remarks|url=https://www.channel4.com/news/nobel-scientist-tim-hunt-criticised-for-chauvinist-remarks-royal-society|website=Channel Four News|date=10 June 2015|accessdate=22 May 2017}} and jokingly tweeted that she couldn't chair a departmental meeting because she was "too busy swooning and crying."{{cite news|last1=Bilefsky|first1=Dan|title=Women Respond to Nobel Laureate's 'Trouble With Girls'|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/12/world/europe/tim-hunt-nobel-laureate-resigns-sexist-women-female-scientists.html|newspaper=The New York Times|accessdate=22 May 2017|date=11 June 2015}} Devlin also speaks publicly and writes to encourage more women to pursue technology careers.{{cite web|title=Women in technology|url=http://2017.inspirewit.com/|website=Inspire|accessdate=14 June 2017}}{{cite web|last1=Devlin|first1=Kate|title=Titstare proves there are still too many dicks in tech|url=https://theconversation.com/titstare-proves-there-are-still-too-many-dicks-in-tech-18199|website=The Conversation|date=13 September 2013 |accessdate=14 June 2017}}

In 2016 Devlin co-chaired the International Congress on Love and Sex With Robots held in London, UK, an annual conference held since 2014, co-founded by Adrian David Cheok and David Levy, writer of the book of the same name, Love and Sex with Robots.{{cite news|last1=Wiseman|first1=Eva|title=Sex, love and robots: is this the end of intimacy?|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/dec/13/sex-love-and-robots-the-end-of-intimacy|newspaper=The Guardian|accessdate=18 May 2017|date=13 December 2015}}{{cite news|last1=Kleeman|first1=Jenny|title=The race to build the world's first sex robot|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/apr/27/race-to-build-world-first-sex-robot|newspaper=The Guardian|accessdate=18 May 2017|date=27 April 2017}}

Also, in 2016, Devlin founded the first UK sex technology (sex tech) hackathon, a conference where scientists, students, academics and other people in the sex tech industry meet to pool ideas and build projects in the field of sex and intimacy with artificial partners.{{cite web|last1=Ferreira|first1=Elsa|title=At the first Sex Tech Hack, a hackathon on sexuality in London|url=http://www.makery.info/en/2016/12/20/au-premier-sex-tech-hack-un-hackathon-sur-la-sexualite-a-londres/|website=Makery|accessdate=18 May 2017}}

In 2016 Devlin appeared several times in the media debating ethical issues concerning sex robots with Kathleen Richardson, fellow of the ethics of robotics at De Montfort University, and founder of Campaign Against Sex Robots which seeks to ban sex robots on the grounds that they encourage isolation, perpetuate the idea of women as property and are dehumanising.{{cite web|last1=Wosk|first1=Julie|title=Love and Sex With Robots Conference Sparks Controversy|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/julie-wosk/love-and-sex-with-robots-_b_13739374.html|website=HuffPost|accessdate=14 June 2017|date=20 December 2016}} Devlin has argued that not only would a ban be impractical, but as technology develops more women need to be involved to diversify a field which is dominated by men creating products for heterosexual men. She also points out that the technology can be used as therapy, citing the use of artificial intelligence to treat anxiety,{{cite web|last1=Wordsworth|first1=Matt|title=Lateline: Panel, Kathleen Richardson and Kate Devlin|url=http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2016/s4581407.htm|publisher=ABC News|accessdate=13 June 2017|date=24 November 2016}} and the possible application towards understanding the psychology of sex offenders.

Devlin frequently speaks at conferences and her areas of scientific interest include: the social and ethical problems of integrating artificial intelligence into sexual experience with computer systems and robots,{{cite web|last1=Fay|first1=Joe|title=Reg Lecture: Sex, AI, Robots and You|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/03/08/reg_love_robots_lecture/|website=The Register|accessdate=22 May 2017}}{{cite web|last1=TEDx Talks|title=Sex Robots. Kate Devlin. TEDxWarwick|date=4 April 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlNV2fx7iS0|via=YouTube|accessdate=22 May 2017}} the human and social consequences of AI as it becomes more sophisticated,{{cite web|title=Will Machines Rule the World?|url=http://www.lse.ac.uk/website-archive/publicEvents/events/2015/12/20151207t1830vSZT.aspx|website=London School of Economics|accessdate=22 May 2017}} and improving human sexual relationships by moving away from a "hetero-normative male view" of sex and intimacy using sex toys, robots and computer software.{{cite web|last1=Rutherford|first1=Adam|title=Rise of the Robots: Series one|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08dnr3r|publisher=BBC|accessdate=23 May 2017}}{{cite web|last1=Scholefield|first1=Antony|title=Sex Robots Will Help Human Sexuality Evolve|url=http://www.virtualfutures.co.uk/discover/sex-robots/|website=Virtual Futures|accessdate=22 May 2017|date=11 December 2015|archive-date=23 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723041501/http://www.virtualfutures.co.uk/discover/sex-robots/|url-status=dead}} She has raised issues which she believes need addressing as this technology develops. These concerns include: if robots gain self-awareness, will they be able to give informed consent and be entitled to make choices regarding their own desires, and should they be supplied to the elderly in residential care facilities for companionship and sex.{{cite web|last1=Reisz|first1=Matthew|title=The sexbots are coming: Scholars reflect on ethics and mechanics of a possible 'sex tech' future|url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/sexbots-are-coming|website=Times Higher Education|accessdate=23 May 2017|date=23 December 2016}}

Devlin was named one of London's most influential people of 2017 by the Progress 1000, London Evening Standard.{{cite web|title=The Progress 1000|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/the1000/the-progress-1000-londons-most-influential-people-2017-boffins-science-technology-a3653581.html|website=London Evening Standard|accessdate=20 October 2017|date=19 October 2017}}

In 2018 Devlin released her book, Turned On: Science, Sex and Robots. The book began as research into the technological development of sex robots and explores the relationship between technology and intimacy.{{cite web |last1=Law |first1=Katie |title=King's College's Kate Devlin on the future and ethics of the sex tech revolution |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/tech/sex-tech-future-ethics-kate-devlin-a3959401.html |website=Evening Standard |accessdate=12 October 2018|date=11 October 2018 }} Engineering & Technology (E&T) magazine described the book as "a creative, optimistic, open-minded exploration of sex robots", particularly in its discussion on current sex technology.{{cite web |last1=Lamb |first1=Hilary |title=Book review: 'Turned On: Science, Sex and Robots' by Kate Devlin |url=https://eandt.theiet.org/content/articles/2018/11/book-review-turned-on-science-sex-and-robots-by-kate-devlin/ |website=Engineering and Technology |accessdate=18 January 2019|date=November 2018 }} The Times described it as "illuminating, witty and written with a wide open mind".{{cite news |last1=Annesley |first1=Jackie |title=Review: Turned On: Science, Sex and Robots by Kate Devlin — illuminating and written with a wide open mind |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/review-turned-on-science-sex-and-robots-by-kate-devlin-illuminating-and-written-with-a-wide-open-mind-hbc8dd77j |website=The Times |access-date=19 January 2019|date=11 November 2018 }}

• Paradata and Transparency in Virtual Heritage, contributor, 2012{{cite book|editor1-last=Bentkowska-Kafe |editor1-first=Anna|editor2-last=Denard |editor2-first=Hugh|title=Paradata and Transparency in Virtual Heritage|date=2012|publisher=Ashgate|isbn=9780754675839|pages=125–134|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZDp6v6UHxiYC&pg=PA125|accessdate=14 June 2017}}
• Turned On: Science, Sex and Robots. Bloomsbury Sigma, 2018
• Love and sex with robots : second International Conference, LSR 2016, London, UK, 19–20 December 2016, Revised selected papers{{cite book|last1=Cheok|first1=Adrian David|last2=Devlin|first2=Kate|last3=Levy|first3=David|title=Love and sex with robots : second International Conference, LSR 2016, London, UK, December 19–20, 2016, Revised selected papers|date=2017|publisher=Springer|location=Switzerland|isbn=9783319577388|url=https://www.worldcat.org/title/love-and-sex-with-robots-second-international-conference-lsr-2016-london-uk-december-19-20-2016-revised-selected-papers/}}

• Realistic visualisation of the Pompeii frescoes (2001) (with Alan Chalmers){{cite book|last1=Devlin|first1=Kate|last2=Chalmers|first2=Alan |title=Proceedings of the 1st international conference on Computer graphics, virtual reality and visualisation |chapter=Realistic visualisation of the Pompeii frescoes |year=2001|pages=43–48|doi=10.1145/513867.513878|isbn=9781581134469|s2cid=16420507}}
• Dynamic range reduction inspired by photoreceptor physiology (2005) (with Erik Reinhard){{cite journal|last1=Reinhard|first1=Erik|last2=Devlin|first2=Kate|title=Dynamic range reduction inspired by photoreceptor physiology|journal=IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics|year=2005|volume=11|issue=1|pages=13–24|doi=10.1109/TVCG.2005.9|pmid=15631125|s2cid=950287}}{{cite web|title=Dynamic range reduction|url=http://erikreinhard.com/papers/tvcg2005.pdf|website=erikreinhard.com|accessdate=14 June 2017|archive-date=23 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223160356/http://erikreinhard.com/papers/tvcg2005.pdf|url-status=dead}}
• Current Practice in Digital Imaging in UK Archaeology (2006) (with Alice Chuter){{cite book|last1=Devlin|first1=Kate|last2=Chuter|first2=Alice |title=Current Practice in Digital Imaging in UK Archaeology |journal=Vast: International Symposium on Virtual Reality |year=2006|pages=187–193|doi=10.2312/VAST/VAST06/187-193|isbn=9783905673425|s2cid=9628992 }}
• Visual calibration and correction for ambient illumination (2006) (with Alan Chalmers, Erik Reinhard){{cite journal|last1=Chambers|first1=Alan|last2=Devlin|first2=Kate|last3=Reinhard|first3=Erik|title=Visual calibration and correction for ambient illumination|journal=ACM Transactions on Applied Perception|year=2006|volume=3|issue=4|pages=429–452|doi=10.1145/1190036.1190042|citeseerx=10.1.1.121.9051|s2cid=12787292}}
• Investigating Sensorimotor Contingencies in the Enactive Interface (2014) (with Janet K. Gibbs){{cite book|last1=Devlin|first1=Kate|last2=Gibbs|first2=Janet K. |title=Contemporary Sensorimotor Theory |chapter=Investigating Sensorimotor Contingencies in the Enactive Interface |year=2014|volume=15|pages=189–200|doi=10.1007/978-3-319-05107-9_13|series=Studies in Applied Philosophy, Epistemology and Rational Ethics|isbn=978-3-319-05106-2}}
• One-Touch Pose Detection on Touchscreen Smartphones (2015) (with Karsten Seipp){{cite book|last1=Devlin|first1=Kate|last2=Seipp|first2=Karsten|title=Proceedings of the 2015 International Conference on Interactive Tabletops & Surfaces - ITS '15 |chapter=One-Touch Pose Detection on Touchscreen Smartphones |year=2015|volume=ITS15|pages=51–54|doi=10.1145/2817721.2817739|isbn=9781450338998|s2cid=13167279|url=http://research.gold.ac.uk/17313/1/p51-seipp.pdf}}

Devlin has written for the New Scientist,{{cite web|title=Why shows like Westworld only show dark side of our robot future|url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/2108645-why-shows-like-westworld-only-show-dark-side-of-our-robot-future/|website=New Scientist|accessdate=14 June 2017}} The Conversation{{cite web|title=In defence of sex machines: why trying to ban sex robots is wrong|url=https://theconversation.com/in-defence-of-sex-machines-why-trying-to-ban-sex-robots-is-wrong-47641|website=The Conversation|date=17 September 2015 |accessdate=14 June 2017}} and has presented a TEDx talk entitled Sex Robots.{{cite web|last1=Devlin|first1=Kate|title=Sex Robots|date=4 April 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlNV2fx7iS0|via=YouTube|accessdate=14 June 2017}}

Devlin has spoken publicly about living with bipolar disorder and epilepsy and how stress can affect both her academic and professional life, as well as how important it is to bring mental health issues into public debate to reduce the stigma attached.{{cite web|last1=Murray|first1=Jenni|title=Staying Sane: Healthy Minds in a Mad World|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b045y41n|website=BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour|accessdate=23 May 2017}}{{cite web|last1=Devlin|first1=Kate|title=Academic life and mental illness is not a smooth ride but it can be done (blog post)|url=https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/blog/academic-life-mental-illness|website=Time to change|accessdate=23 May 2017|date=15 May 2013|archive-date=4 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204115454/https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/blog/academic-life-mental-illness|url-status=dead}}

Devlin is open about her consensually non-monogamous relationships and has written about her experiences of polyamory.

She is also interested in, and has researched, the life story of Adela Breton, the Victorian archaeologist and explorer, and contributed to the Raising Horizons exhibition of 'trowel-blazing' women throughout the history of archaeology and geology.{{cite web|title=Adela Catherine Breton|url=http://trowelblazers.com/adela-catherine-breton-a-career-in-ruins/|website=Trowelblazers|date=27 April 2014 }}{{cite web|title=The Eccentric Miss Breton|url=http://trowelblazers.com/adela-breton-the-eccentric-miss-breton/|website=Trowelblazers|date=8 May 2014 |accessdate=14 June 2017}}

She is divorced and has a daughter.{{cite news|last1=Devlin|first1=Kate|title=I have other men. He has other women. We're both happy|url=https://www.thetimes.com/edition/weekend/i-have-other-men-he-has-other-women-were-both-happy-29wkdjd99|newspaper=The Times|access-date=13 June 2017|date=10 June 2017}}

• Time to Change (mental health campaign)
• Virtual archaeology

{{reflist}}

• [https://vimeo.com/86816731 Kate Devlin on Vimeo]
• [https://soundcloud.com/exponentialview/up-close-and-personal-living-intimately-with-robots-with-kate-devlin Exponential View lecture on Soundcloud]
• [https://www.theguardian.com/media/video/2018/may/03/siri-what-is-love-getting-intimate-with-next-gen-tech-video AI and ethics at Changing Media Summit 2018]

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Category:Living people

Category:Alumni of Queen's University Belfast

Category:Academics of Goldsmiths, University of London

Category:Academics of King's College London

Category:Alumni of the University of Bristol

Category:20th-century women scientists from Northern Ireland

Category:21st-century women scientists from Northern Ireland

Category:Women archaeologists from Northern Ireland

Category:21st-century British archaeologists

Category:21st-century Irish archaeologists

Category:British artificial intelligence researchers

Category:Human–computer interaction researchers

Category:Roboticists from Northern Ireland

Category:Women roboticists

Category:Computer scientists from Northern Ireland

Category:Year of birth missing (living people)

Category:British science communicators

Category:Women computer scientists from Northern Ireland

Category:Archaeologists from Northern Ireland

Category:People with bipolar disorder

Category:People with epilepsy