Contact
Biography
Gemma Webster is a Lecturer in Computing in the School of Science and Engineering. Gemma completed her undergraduate degree in Computing BSc (Hons) in 2008 and PhD in 2011 at the School of Computing, University of Dundee. She has completed postdoctoral positions at Lancaster University as a Research Associate. In 2013 she joined the dot.rural Digital Economy Research Hub at the University of Aberdeen were she was a Research Fellow on the CURIOS, POWKist and MinkApp projects. Gemma joined Edinburgh Napier University in 2015 where she was an Associate Professor before joining University of Dundee in September 2023. Gemma is a Visiting Associate Professor- at Edinburgh Napier University. She has been a fellow of the higher education academy since 2016.
International distinctions, awards and professional service
- Gemma's research was included in RCUK's Digital Economy's Decade of Success
- She was invited to attend Roundtable on Technology and Digital Social Care hosted by Scottish Care
- She was selected to participate in the Digital Economy Crucible programme
- Gemma is a full member of the EPSRC College
- Gemma's research has been awarded the EPSRC Telling Tales of Engagement award, 1st place at British Science Festival for impact and public engagement
- She reviews for Carnegie Trust Scotland and EPSRC, has been a programme committee member for ICTAS, COMPSAC, PATH, NordiCHI, completes reviewing for DIS, CHI, BHCI, International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, and Journal Interacting with Computers
Research
Gemma's principle research interests lie in the field of human computer interaction, health care, older adults, community and assistive technologies. She is an experienced multidisciplinary researcher who has worked in a number of different environments and areas including healthcare, nature conservation, community organisations and heritage. A key aspect of all Gemma's research is that it involves ‘real-world’ environments, problems and partners.
Recent research projects as Principle Investigator include 'Social media by proxy: Managing online information for adults with dementia' (Carnegie Trust 2019), 'Information Avoidance and Diabetes' (2020), 'Information professionals and volunteers as ‘digital proxies’: impact on effectiveness of clients and employees of informal support in accessing services' (SFC Covid 2021). Gemma has (co)authored over 25 publications in peer-reviewed national and international conferences and journals.
Teaching
Gemma currently supervises two research students (one based at ENU), has 4 PhD completions, is the Undergraduate Computing Lead, Undergraduate Student Advisor and teaches on User Interface Design, Mobile Application Development and Employability for Computing.
PhD projects
I am open to supervising PhD students interested in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), community, culture, and inclusive technology. My research focuses on solving real-world challenges, particularly in healthcare, community engagement, and assistive technologies. With extensive experience across multidisciplinary domains—including healthcare, conservation, heritage, and community organisations—I aim to create impactful, practical solutions in collaboration with external partners.
I am an experienced supervisor, having successfully guided four PhD students to completion. I currently supervise two student (one based at Edinburgh Napier University). Recent research projects I’ve led include managing social media for adults with dementia, exploring digital proxy practices in supporting digital inclusion, information behaviour in diabetes management, and investigating informal digital support networks.
If your research interests align with HCI, technology for social good, inclusive design, or community-centred innovation, I’d be excited to discuss how we can collaborate.