John Pender

John Pender is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Social Sciences at Athlone Technological University (ATU) Sligo. His expertise focuses on foresight, social policy, and the integration of emerging technologies like social robotics and artificial intelligence into education and healthcare. He contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through research addressing societal challenges.

Research interests include social robotics applications, digitization in teaching, ethical AI practices, and role-playing simulations for professional development. His work bridges interdisciplinary pedagogy, particularly in healthcare and social care contexts, as seen in the PRoSPEro Project.

Recent publications explore AI in social work, educational technologies, and collaborative care models. He collaborates internationally, emphasizing practical applications of technology in social sciences. No formal academic awards are listed, though his contributions to peer-reviewed journals and conferences highlight active scholarly engagement.