John Strain is a chartered occupational psychologist and an ordained priest in the Church of England. He holds first degrees in History and Philosophy (BA, Keele) and in Theology (BTh, Southampton). John spent 23 years in the Defence Industry, first as a naval officer, later as an organisational psychologist, having gained his MSc and PhD in psychology from the University of London. His career has focused on exploring the relationships between technology and social and organisational life. He has published several journal articles in the academic press on the process of defining the human and organisational requirements for new, large technology procurements.

His current research includes investigating the impact on households and families of digital technologies as well the opportunities offered to them. This work will explore the relationship between the opportunities created by these technologies and the patterns of life that are valued within households. John is also Curate of the Parish of St Alban's, Hindhead, Surrey and takes an active interest in theology and philosophy. He has a particular interest in the work of Cardinal John Henry Newman, the nineteenth century priest and scholar who defended his 'idea of the university' (published in the 1850s) against those who saw universities primarily as institutes of moral formation, and against those who wanted universities to restrict themselves to practical subjects.

Since January 2001, John has been contributing to the ASSIST programme in helping shape the understanding of human needs for the project; and developing scenarios in which different ways of satisfying human needs through information systems and technologies.

For further background on Strain click here.

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