Oshani Seneviratne, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), has been appointed as the Deputy Chair of the Web Science Trust Network of Labs (WSTNet), effective January 1, 2025. As one of the leading global networks focused on advancing web science research, WSTNet brings together top academic institutions to address the critical challenges facing the digital age, from ethical data use to the social implications of emerging web technologies.

Dr. Seneviratne’s research at RPI focuses on the intersection of decentralized web technologies and society, including ethical questions around data sharing, privacy, fairness, and transparency in the context of transformative technologies like generative AI. Her leadership in WSTNet will strengthen the network’s efforts to ensure responsible and impactful research that addresses both the opportunities and challenges of the web.

At RPI, Dr. Seneviratne leads the BRAINS (Bridging Resilient, Accountable, Intelligent Networked Systems) Lab, and has been instrumental in advancing the university’s initiatives in web science and AI. She brings a wealth of experience in both academic research and interdisciplinary collaboration, and her appointment to WSTNet’s leadership reflects the growing recognition of RPI’s role in shaping the future of web-enabled technologies.

Dr. Seneviratne’s appointment follows the appointment of Dr. Matthew Weber, Professor of Communication at Rutgers University, as Chair of WSTNet. Together, they will lead the network in its mission to foster collaboration among top-tier researchers and tackle the pressing issues of our digital future.

Dr. Seneviratne’s leadership underscores RPI’s continued commitment to advancing innovative research in computer science and its growing influence in the global conversation on the ethical and societal impacts of web technologies.