SURE

John is the Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, and Pro Vice Chancellor at the University of Sunderland. He has worked at the University of Sunderland since 1992, having graduated from the University with a First Class Honours Degree in Combined Science (Computer Science and Physiology). He then went on to complete a PhD in applied artificial intelligence, focussing on the use of neural networks in predictive maintenance, which was awarded in 1996. During the 1990s John established a research centre – the Centre for Adaptive Systems – at the University, which became recognised by the UK government as a Centre of Excellence for applied research in adaptive computing and artificial intelligence. The Centre undertook many projects working with and for external organisations in industry, science and academia, and for three years ran the Smart Software for Decision Makers programme on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry. He has successfully supervised PhDs in fields ranging from neural networks, hybrid systems, and bioinformatics through to lean manufacturing, predictive maintenance, and business and maintenance strategies. He went on to become Associate Dean, and then Dean, of the School of Computing, Engineering and Technology, covering Computer Science and Engineering; in 2008 he became the Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science, and in 2010 Pro Vice Chancellor of the University.