Dr Jason Watson

Biography

Summary I am an engineer / social scientist who conducts theoretical and systems research into social technologies and online communities. My work helps businesses, society, and individuals understand these technologies and has advanced understanding of social technology design, adoption and impact. In my career, I have demonstrated success, vision, and entrepreneurship in teaching, research, and leadership. Qualifications

• 1996 – 2000 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Engineering, The University of Huddersfield
• 1990 – 1996 Bachelor of Engineering Honors (BEng Hon) Engineering, The University of Huddersfield
• 1987 – 1989 National Diploma (BTEC OND) Engineering and Technology, Blackpool & Fylde College

Current Responsibilities

• 2021 + Academic Lead Learning and Teaching in the School of Information Systems, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology. I have responsibility for the school's vision of building a learning community with a standard of excellence and maintaining quality of courses and contributing to policy development.
• 2016 – 2021 Director of Higher Degree Research in the School of Information Systems, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology. I have primary responsibility for the Higher Degree Research candidates with an emphasis on the overall quality of the program and policy development.
• 2014 – 2016 Deputy Director of Higher Degree Research in the School of Information Systems, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology.
• 2010 – 2014 Coordinator for Digital Environments in the School of Information Systems, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology. My primary responsibility was to maintain the quality and consistency of instruction for the Master of Information Technology Digital Environments Major.
• 2006 – 2010 Assistant Dean (International) in the Faculty of Information Technology, Queensland University of Technology. My primary responsibility was to grow our international student numbers, establish fruitful international partnerships with overseas institutions, and ensure the welfare of our international students and the internationalisation of our curricula. I demonstrated a successful track record of directing a significant and complex portfolio and effecting positive cultural change. Under my leadership, the faculty established multiple transnational courses, widened its international market, increased international enrolments, and enhanced its International pathways.

Research Activities I have established an international research profile using qualitative and quantitative techniques to explore online behaviour. My research examines how actors create (or destroy) value in online communities, particularly in areas of social impact (e.g. Health).  My work seeks to understand online communities which are complex multi agent systems that facilitate both coordinated and emergent value co-creation. Typically, my research contributes to theory by uncovering emergent interactions and their effects in such a way to inform a data-driven approach to strategies and the designing, building, and running of online systems. The work provides intelligence on how organisations can participate online and adapt and shape their services in the light of their customer's online activity. I feel particularly motivated to work in areas of social impact and many of my case studies have taken place in the health and social enterprise sector.