USQ Researcher Dr. Ann Morrison is working at developing an Australian arm of the Animal Computer Interaction research community that addresses issues particular to the Australian context. The quest brings together animal and computer interaction experts from around the world in to explore how digital technology can improve our relationship with animals. The successful applicant researcher will explore how technology solutions can improve our relationship with the animals we live and work with in an everyday Australian context.
One example research interest is the use of digital technology to help animal owners & carers to be aware of their animal’s condition when they are absent – for example, while a pet owner is at work, or when a farmer is away from their animals. This research will be of benefit to pet owners and to all who work with animals – from farmers with working dogs to institutions who care for animals in captivity. As digital technology becomes increasingly sophisticated and portable, this research ensures that uses of digital technology in animal-computer interaction is respectful, sensitive, and responsive to animals’ needs and desires as well as our own.
The work forms inroads towards respect for animals as sentient beings which began with the movement to reform zoos and places of captivity in the last century. It builds on the insights of natural scientists like the primatologist Jane Goodall, who has been a powerful advocate for acknowledging the sentience of chimpanzees and other animals. And it rings true with the knowledge every caring pet owner has in their hearts: that the animals we share our lives with are intelligent, responsive, proactive, playful, and deserving of our full respect: we can learn a lot from them! The focus is not on gadgets but respectful and caring relationships between animals, humans, and computer technology. Extending these kind of assistive technologies – what we might call “technologies of care” – has potential applications not just with the animal world, but also other communities who need our care and respect: elders, people with autism, and everyone who requires nurture.

Dr Ann Morrison

• Assoc Prof Helen Farley

• Australian Digital Futures Institute

• Agriculture, Land and Farm Management
• Communication and Media Studies
• Communications Technologies
• Computer Hardware
• Engineering Design
• Information Systems
• Interdisciplinary Engineering
• Other Engineering
• Other Information and Computing Sciences
• Other Technology

• Doctor of Philosophy (DPHD)
• Doctor of Philosophy (DPHD)
• Doctor of Philosophy (DPHD)
• Master of Research (MRES)
• Master of Research (MRES)