Chris Rhyss Edwards is a researcher and technology innovator with a diverse background encompassing military service, journalism, and entrepreneurship. A former Army Combat Engineer and peacekeeper, he holds postgraduate qualifications in journalism and is currently a Science PhD candidate specialising in Human-Computer Interaction. His research interests lie at the intersection of ethics, technology, and innovation, with a particular focus on the societal implications of emerging technologies.

As the author of four books, including The Woke Paradox, Tougher Than You Think, The Oomph Factor, and Three Faces, he has demonstrated a commitment to exploring complex social and philosophical themes. His expertise in these areas is further evidenced by two global innovation awards and recognition as a finalist in the Prime Minister’s Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year awards.

His academic and professional experience informs his contributions to public discourse, exemplified by his TEDx talk, “The Uncomfortable Truth Between Right & Wrong,” and subsequent keynote presentations on ethics, technology, and innovation across the APAC region, the UK, and the USA. He is recognised for his ability to synthesise complex topics and engage audiences through in-depth analysis and accessible communication.

His current research endeavours are focused on advancing the understanding of Human-Computer Interaction, particularly in relation to existential, mental health, and well-being themes. Specifically, his research examines the affordances and limitations of voice-based conversational agents in digital-therapeutic contexts to enhance emotional literacy with the aim of designing a DIY mental health and wellbeing solution that supplements – rather than replaces – professional human support.