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Biography

I am retired, but still continue with some personal research. At the moment that is broadly in the areas of Theology and Science (specifically AI), and Analytic Theology (for which I received an MTh from Edinburgh Theological Seminary/ Glasgow University). I retain an interest in the Philosophy of Information and Model-based Reasoning.

I originally studied Engineering Science, but spent the bulk of my career in AI (the subject for which I obtained a PhD). At various times I have worked for Greater Glasgow Health Board (in Medical Physics), Heriot Watt University (RA), Aberystwyth University (lecturer) and finally Aberdeen University where I was latterly a professor of Computing Science and SICSA Chair in Systems Modelling. At Aberdeen I served in a number of capacities: Head of Computing Science (2010-2014; Director of Research and a Deputy Head of the School of Natural and Computing Sciences (2015 – 2018). I have served on a several committees in the institution including the Academic Standards Committee (Post-graduate), the Quality Assurance Committee, and the Research Policy Committee. I also did a few stints on Senate. 

Externally I did the usual things expected of an academic: reviewing for journals and conferences, external examining (for research degrees and taught programmes) at a number of institutions in the UK and beyond; conference committees, Carnegie trust PhD selection committee, etc.

I am an Honorary Research Fellow at ETS (and on the ETS Senate, and Seminary Board).

I am also a singer and obtained a diploma from Trinity College London (LTCL) in 2014. I give recitals, and am building up my portfolio. You can find my music page on Facebook at:

Research Overview

My main research was in the area of Model-based Systems and Qualitative reasoning (a branch of AI), but is now in the domain of Theology and Science (focussed on issues in Information and AI). 

Current Research Interests: 

Theology and Science/ Philosophical Theology 

Analytic Theology

Philosophy of Information

Informational Philosophy of Science

Model-based Systems and Qualitative Reasoning

I have been fortunate to be involved in interdisciplinary projects with friends and colleagues across a wide spectrum of disciplines (e.g. Biology (Systems and Synthetic), Engineering, Medicine, Music, Sociology).