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1994 …2023

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Personal profile

Biography

Patrick is a human-computer interaction researcher with particular expertise in human-centred design methods, digital health, and collaborative and social computing. Patrick coined the term Digital Civics, now a central focus of his research. This is a cross-disciplinary area of research that explores ways technology can promote new forms of participation in the design and delivery of local services including education, public health and social care and town planning.

Another key element of Patrick's work is a commitment to the creation of open source software and hardware. Notable examples include the OpenMovement AX3 accelerometer which was designed for the largest study of physical activity ever conducted (over 100K participants) and now the most widely used monitor by clinical researchers across the World (see spinout Axivity Ltd). Another is Intake24, an online 24-hour dietary recall system that was developed for Food Standards Scotland. Initially aimed at a UK population, Intake24 is currently used in the UK government's National Diet & Nutrition Survey and the Australian Bureau of Statistics Intergeneration Health and Mental Health Survey.

Patrick leads Action Lab, a multidisciplinary research group comprising impact-focused researchers working at the intersection of communities, technology and social innovation.

Research interests

Digital Health, Interaction Design, Technology-Enhanced Learning, Collaborative Computing, Social Computing, Media Computing.

Supervision interests

Digital Health, Interaction Design, Technology-Enhanced Learning, Collaborative Computing, Social Computing, Media Computing.

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 2 - Zero Hunger
  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 4 - Quality Education
  • SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Education/Academic qualification

Language Engineering, PhD, University of Manchester

Award Date: 1 Sep 1998

MSc, Artificial Intelligence, University of Wales

Award Date: 1 Sep 1991

Computing, Postgraduate Diploma, University of Bradford

Award Date: 1 Sep 1990

Natural Sciences (Physics), BA, University of Cambridge

Award Date: 1 Sep 1989

External positions

Adjunct Professor, Monash University Malaysia

1 May 202330 Apr 2028

Research area keywords

  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Digital Civics
  • Interaction Design
  • Social Computing
  • Social Media
  • Educational Technology
  • Digital Health
  • ICT4D

Network

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