# Paul Dourish

> British computer scientist

**Wikidata**: [Q7150339](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7150339)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Dourish)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/paul-dourish

## Summary
Paul Dourish is a British-American computer scientist and professor specializing in human–computer interaction (HCI) and informatics. He is best known for his influential research on social computing, ubiquitous computing, and the intersection of technology and human behavior, earning recognition as an ACM Fellow and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

## Biography
- **Born**: 1966, Glasgow, Scotland
- **Nationality**: United States (citizenship), United Kingdom (birth)
- **Education**:
  - Ph.D. (University of London, University College London)
  - Educated at University of Edinburgh and St Aloysius' College
- **Known for**: Research in human–computer interaction, social computing, and ubiquitous computing
- **Employer(s)**: University of California, Irvine (current)
- **Field(s)**: Human–computer interaction, informatics, computer science

## Contributions
Paul Dourish has made significant contributions to the fields of human–computer interaction (HCI) and social computing. His work explores how technology mediates social interactions, particularly in ubiquitous and mobile computing environments. Key publications include his 2001 book *Where the Action Is: The Foundations of Embodied Interaction*, which examines embodied interaction and tangible computing. He has also researched the social implications of technology, such as privacy, identity, and collaboration in digital spaces.

Dourish’s research has influenced the design of interactive systems, emphasizing the role of human behavior and social context. He has supervised notable students, including Jennifer Ann Rode (Ph.D., 2009), and has been recognized with awards such as the CHI Academy (2008) and ACM Fellowship (2015). His work bridges technical and social perspectives, shaping modern HCI research and practice.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Paul Dourish known for?
A: Paul Dourish is known for his research in human–computer interaction, social computing, and ubiquitous computing, particularly his work on embodied interaction and the social implications of technology.

### Q: Where does Paul Dourish work?
A: He is a professor at the University of California, Irvine, where he conducts research in informatics and computer science.

### Q: What awards has Paul Dourish received?
A: He has received the CHI Academy award (2008), ACM Fellowship (2015), and was named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2021).

### Q: What is Paul Dourish’s educational background?
A: He earned his Ph.D. from University College London and studied at the University of Edinburgh and St Aloysius' College.

### Q: What is Paul Dourish’s nationality?
A: He was born in the UK but holds U.S. citizenship.

## Why They Matter
Paul Dourish’s work has fundamentally shaped the field of human–computer interaction by integrating social and technical perspectives. His research on embodied interaction and ubiquitous computing has influenced the design of interactive systems, emphasizing the importance of human behavior and context. His contributions have advanced understanding of how technology mediates social interactions, impacting areas such as privacy, collaboration, and mobile computing. Dourish’s mentorship and leadership have also cultivated the next generation of HCI researchers, ensuring his legacy in both academia and industry.

## Notable For
- Author of *Where the Action Is: The Foundations of Embodied Interaction* (2001)
- ACM Fellow (2015) for contributions to social computing and HCI
- CHI Academy inductee (2008)
- Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2021)
- Doctoral advisor to Jennifer Ann Rode (Ph.D., 2009)

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Paul Dourish was born in 1966 in Glasgow, Scotland. He pursued his education at the University of Edinburgh and St Aloysius' College before earning his Ph.D. from University College London.

### Career and Research
Dourish is a professor at the University of California, Irvine, where he focuses on human–computer interaction, social computing, and informatics. His research explores how technology shapes social behavior, particularly in ubiquitous and mobile computing environments. His book *Where the Action Is* (2001) is a foundational text in embodied interaction, examining how physical and digital interactions converge.

### Awards and Recognition
Dourish has received numerous accolades, including induction into the CHI Academy (2008), ACM Fellowship (2015), and Fellowship in the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2021). His work has been cited widely in HCI and computer science literature.

### Influence and Legacy
Dourish’s research has influenced the design of interactive systems, emphasizing the role of human behavior and social context. He has mentored students who have gone on to make significant contributions to the field, such as Jennifer Ann Rode. His work continues to shape discussions on privacy, collaboration, and the social implications of technology.

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## References

1. Czech National Authority Database
2. Mathematics Genealogy Project
3. [Source](https://www.informatics.uci.edu/explore/faculty-profiles/paul-dourish/)
4. [Source](https://www.acm.org/media-center/2015/december/fellows-2015)
5. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20220311133847/https://www.aaas.org/page/2021-fellows)
6. [Source](https://viaf.org/viaf/data/viaf-20230206-links.txt.gz)
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File