14 May 2026
Following two sell-out Deep Dives, we’re excited to invite you to the next session in the series — small, intimate conversations uncovering the real stories behind innovation in the Glasgow City Region.
This time, we’re asking:
How can animals use technology - and what can we learn from it?
Join Dr Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas for an open, story-led conversation exploring how animals interact with technology — and what it means to design for users beyond humans.
📅 Thurs 28 May 2026 | ⏰ 15:30 – 17:00 | 📍 Glasgow Science Centre
🎟️ Secure your FREE ticket now! — very limited tickets
Why this Session?
Glasgow has a long history of innovation, and today that same spirit is pushing the boundaries of how we design and interact with technology. This GCoSI Deep Dive explores a different perspective: what happens when we create technology not just for humans, but for animals too?
Focusing on the field of animal–computer interaction, this session explores how animals engage with technology — from building the “dog internet” to parrots video-calling each other and interactive environments for zoo animals. What does this reveal about intelligence, behaviour and how we design?
Together, we’ll explore questions like:
🐾 How do animals actually use and respond to technology?
🧠 What can this teach us about intelligence, behaviour and interaction?
🎨 What does it mean to design for users who can’t speak our language?
Meet the Speaker
🎤 Dr Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas, University of Glasgow
Animal Computer Interaction Researcher & Computer Scientist
Dr Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas is an Animal-Computer Interaction researcher at the University of Glasgow and Director of the Animal-Computer Interaction Lab. Her work explores how animals can interact with and control technology, from video-calling systems for dogs to touchscreen interfaces for parrots, giving animals greater agency over their environment and social connections.
Her team has designed and deployed technologies for animals in homes and zoos around the world. Her research has attracted international attention through a Netflix feature, a TEDx talk, and wide media coverage, and it raises a powerful question: what changes when we design technology beyond humans?
Why Attend?
🤝 Connect with researchers, designers and innovators from across Glasgow.
🐾 Discover how animals interact with technology — and what we can learn from it.
🧪 Live Demos – Experience animal-focused technologies up close.
🧠 Gain fresh perspectives on design, behaviour and intelligence beyond humans.
🎨 Explore how technology is being reimagined for new users and environments.
🚀 Be part of the conversation and help shape future GCoSI Deep Dives.
This isn’t a lecture — it’s a conversation shaped by you.
About the Deep Dive Series
The Deep Dive Series is a new programme from Glasgow City of Science and Innovation and Glasgow Science Centre, designed to bring audiences closer to the human side of innovation.
Sessions are small, informal and audience-led — no stage, no long slide decks, no corporate pitches. Just honest conversation, personal stories and open exploration of the ideas shaping science, technology and culture in our region.
This event is delivered as part of the CAN DO Innovation Event Programme by Glasgow City of Science and Innovation.
CULTURE | TECH | CONNECT
