The RD-ID Chair combines academic research with applied, action-oriented projects.
At the intersection of social sciences, law, philosophy, and technology, its work examines the uses, representations, and social impacts of emerging technologies.
The research themes cover a wide range of topics: digital identity, artificial intelligence, conversational agents, identification systems, the metaverse, and connected health. Particular attention is given to how these technologies are reshaping our relationships with ourselves and others—through the technologization of the self, new forms of mediated interaction, and the dynamics of acceptability and social reception. The Chair’s work also explores the diversity of conversational agents and the identity-related effects of their use, spanning cooperation, human simulation, and relationship-building.
In parallel, the Chair examines sociotechnical controversies, issues of acceptability, and the tensions between innovation, ethical concerns, and regulatory frameworks—especially in a context shaped by the growing influence of digital platforms and identification technologies. A significant portion of the research focuses on younger generations, whether advanced users or still in training, to better understand how digital tools shape contemporary subjectivities.
Each year, the Chair carries out a sustained scientific program, through the publication of academic articles, research reports, the organization of conferences, and participation in outreach and mediation activities. These outputs are intended for a wide range of audiences — researchers, public institutions, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and the general public — and actively foster dialogue around the societal implications of digital technologies. By combining scientific expertise with analysis of real-world practices, the Chair contributes to informing public debate, guiding innovation, and supporting strategic thinking in key sectors such as digital policy, public services, health, education, and the tech industry.
RESEARCH REPORT
Draetta L., Fernandez V., & Tavner B., “Pragmatique de l’identité numérique : exploration ethnographique dans les rangs de jeunes usagers (in)formés”, Cahiers de la Chaire RD-ID, 2024, https://hal.science/hal-04430193v1
WORKING PAPERS
Ortu F., Zurru M., Draetta L., Fernandez V., Pragmatics of digital identity: comprehensive survey among the ranks of young informed and advanced users (Italy), [Ongoing research], 2025.
Relieu M., “Leurres, assistants, partenaires : une typologie des agents conversationnels basée sur les usages”, [Ongoing research], 2025.
PUBLICATIONS
Relieu M., Interagir avec des agents conversationnels : le mythe de la transparence. In Gérald Gaglio et Jean-Sébastien Vayre (Eds.), L’Intelligence Artificielle et les Sciences Humaines et Sociale, L’Harmattan, [forthcoming].
Fernandez V., « Questionner l’innovation dont l’innovation sociale ? », Preface of the book Handicaps. De l’innovation sociale à l’innovation inclusive, J. Billion, INSEI ed. collection Recherche, 2024.
Relieu M. “How Lenny the bot convinces you that he is a person: Storytelling, affiliations, and alignments in multi-unit turns”, Discourse & Communication, 2024, ⟨10.1177/175048132411271437⟩. ⟨hal-04680747⟩
Draetta L., & Fernandez V., « Avec la RSE… Pour une éthique du numérique », in RSE et Numérique, JJ. Rosé et M. Delattre (Eds.), Edition EMS, 2022, https://hal.science/hal-03621979v1
CONFERENCES
Draetta L., Ortu F., Tavner B., Zurru M., Fernandez V., ”Digital Identity and the ‘Technologization’ of the Self: An Ethnographic Exploration among the Ranks of Young Advanced and Informed Users”, 28th IPSA World Congress of Political Science: Resisting Autocratization in Polarized Societies, Seoul, 12-16 July 2025.
Fernandez V., Draetta L., Special Track RD-ID Chair, “Dispositifs d’Identité Numérique : enjeux, usages, acceptabilité et controverses”. Conférence Association Information et Management, https://aim2025.sciencesconf.org Lyon (France), May 2025.
Draetta L., Fernandez V., Zurru M., “Pragmatics of digital identity: ethnographic exploration among the ranks of young “in-trained” users”, International Conference 4S Society for Social Studies of Science; Honolulu, USA (online), November 2024.
Acquatella F., Fernandez V., Houy T., Isckia T., “Generative strategies for platforms in an age of Artificial Intelligence”, American Conference on Information Systems, August, Salt Like City (USA), August 2024.
SCIENTIFIC MEDIATION
Draetta L. et Fernandez V., Innovation Numérique Responsable, Academic Mooc, Coursera, [forthcoming – September].
Relieu M., “Pertinence des analyses interactionnelles pour comprendre comment des leurres peuvent tromper des humains”, Intervention lors de le la réunion du conseil scientifique de l’ANSSI, “Cybersécurité au prisme des sciences humaines et sociales”, La Défense (France), 25 November 2024.
Jasak T., Fernandez V., Houy T., « Réseau et nouveaux services : Les promesses de la blockchain pour protéger et étendre notre identité numérique », Télécoms, n°211, 2024.
Fernandez V., Presentation of the chair’s work during the Bouygues Telecom alumni evening, 15 October 2024, Meudon (France).
