Moinul Zaber is a Research Fellow in the Digital and Technology Cluster at IDS and a computational social scientist with over 19 years of interdisciplinary experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, human-centered design, and public policy. His work focuses on Human-Centered AI (HCAI)—developing inclusive, context-aware technologies and shaping governance frameworks for their responsible use in emerging economies with limited resources.

Dr. Zaber holds a Ph.D. in Engineering and Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University and a background in computer science and engineering. His research addresses challenges in public service delivery and urban infrastructure—including telecommunications, energy, and transportation—as well as education and social protection, combining technical innovation with design thinking and public governance.

He is currently Professor (on leave) of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Dhaka, and holds visiting positions at the University of Cambridge, Reitaku University (Japan), and INTI International University (Malaysia). He has previously served as Senior Academic Fellow at UNU-EGOV (Portugal), Research Fellow at Chalmers University (Sweden) and LIRNEasia (Sri Lanka), and Visiting Associate Professor at the University of Tokyo.

Dr. Zaber has worked with international organizations including the United Nations, ISSA, BRAC, and national digital authorities to co-design AI tools, shape inclusive policies, and lead digital transformation initiatives. He is the founding director of the Data and Design Lab (dndlab.org) at the University of Dhaka and serves on the editorial board of Telecommunications Policy (Elsevier).

He has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, white papers, and op-eds on AI governance, digital inclusion, and technology policy. A frequent speaker and panellist at global forums, he also leads webinars and public discussions on communications technology and its societal impact.