Dr. Mika Yasuoka | Computer | Best Researcher Award
Associate Professor, Roskilde University, Denmark
Dr. Mika Yasuoka Jensen ๐ฏ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฐ is an Associate Professor of Sustainable Digitalization at Roskilde University, Denmark. With a multicultural background and deep expertise in computer science, informatics, and interaction design, she bridges Japanese, American, and Danish academic traditions. Passionate about co-creation, digital welfare, and Living Labs, Dr. Yasuoka leads global collaborations with universities, public institutions, and tech corporations to shape sustainable digital futures. Her leadership in participatory design, social innovation, and smart city initiatives has made her a prominent voice in advancing technology for societal benefit. ๐๐ป
Profile
Education ๐
Dr. Yasuoka’s academic journey is a blend of prestigious institutions across three continents. She earned her Ph.D. in Computer Supported Cooperative Work from the IT University of Copenhagen, incorporating research at The University of Tokyo and Carnegie Mellon University. Prior to this, she completed an M.Sc. in Informatics from Kyoto University and a B.Sc. in Library and Information Science from Keio University. Her academic enrichment also includes an exchange program and visiting researcher positions at Carnegie Mellon University in the U.S. ๐๐๐
Experience ๐ผ
Dr. Yasuokaโs professional path is marked by academic excellence and impactful leadership. Since 2020, she has been serving as Associate Professor at Roskilde University. She has held roles at institutions including the IT University of Copenhagen, Keio University, and Technical University of Denmark. She has led numerous cross-sectoral projects, blending stakeholder engagement and digital design across borders. Her strategic advisory roles include working with municipalities and government digital agencies in Japan. ๐ซ๐๐ฉโ๐ซ
Research Interest ๐
Her core research focuses on sustainable digitalization, participatory design, Living Labs, and avatar-mediated communication. She investigates how digital technologies can be co-designed and responsibly integrated into societies to enhance well-being. With a special interest in smart cities, welfare technologies, and design frameworks, Dr. Yasuokaโs work aligns technology with human-centric values and social innovation. ๐ค๐๏ธ๐ฅ
Awards ๐
Dr. Yasuoka has received multiple accolades for her innovative contributions. These include the 11th Nextcom Paper Award (2022) for advancing e-government strategy, the 12th KDDI Foundation Book Publishing Grant (2022), and a Best Paper Finalist at IEEE ARSO 2021. She also earned the Human Interface Society Award (2021) for her analysis of stakeholder involvement in welfare technology assessment. ๐๐โจ
Publications ๐
Key Practices for Welfare Robots Provision: Assessment Framework and Participation
Yasuoka, M., Akutsu, Y., Honma, K., & Matsumoto, Y.
IEEE International Conference on Advanced Robotics and Its Social Impacts (ARSO), 2021.
๐ IEEE Xplore Link
Cited by researchers in robotics and social care design.
How Remote-Controlled Avatars Are Accepted in Hybrid Workplace
Yasuoka, M., Miyata, T., Nakatani, M., Taoka, Y., & Hamaguchi, N.
In: Distributed, Ambient and Pervasive Interactions, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol. 14036, Springer, Cham, 2023.
๐ Springer Link
Referenced in studies on telepresence and future work environments.
Not Just Power: Exploring Transitions as Fluidity and Relationality in Participatory Design
Yasuoka, M., & Kibi, Y.
Participatory Design Conference 2024, Vol. 2: Exploratory Papers and Workshops.
๐ ACM Link
Cited in participatory design and relational theory literature.
Reflection on Digital Cities
Yasuoka, M., & Ishida, T.
In Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Communication, Oxford University Press, 2023.
Used in urban digital studies and smart city curricula.
Conclusion
Dr. Mika Yasuoka Jensen is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. Her cross-cultural expertise, commitment to societal impact through digitalization, leadership in international projects, and award-winning research achievements make her a standout candidate. Minor enhancements in research metrics and journal profile would further strengthen her already impressive credentials.