Dr John Mills
Independent Researcher in Journalism Innovation
John is an independent researcher and former Reader in Emergent Technology and Journalism Innovation at the University of Lancashire. His research interests span journalism, the Internet of Things (IoT), augmented paper, mobile journalism, wearables, human-centred design, drone journalism and innovation theory.
In recent years, his work has focused on the relationship between IoT and journalism, exploring how news organisations can use physical and digital platforms to create new forms of storytelling and audience engagement. This includes leading work on the Google-funded NewsThings and SenseMaker projects, which developed an IoT content management system and investigated the use of conductive ink and web-connected print in editorial contexts.
John is also a member of University of Lancashire’s Civic Drone Centre team, which explores how next-generation unmanned aerial vehicles can be used across different sectors, including the media. One of its recent initiatives, the Aerial Uptake project, funded by Interreg, examines the practical applications of drone technology.
His work is driven by a strong interest in innovation and the ways emerging technologies can reshape journalism practice and audience experiences.
