John Cook is a father, academic, likes to play double bass and go hill walking. Currently a senior professor at the Goethe University of Frankfurt in Germany, his research interests include designing for learning, and innovations for life-long learning. John has been part of research and development grant proposals that have attracted over £5 million in competitive external funding. In addition, he has published and presented around 300 refereed articles and invited talks. Until recently, John was professor in education at the University of West England (UWE, Bristol). Prior to this he was professor of technology enhanced learning at the London Metropolitan University.

One of his minor claims to fame is that of having been the bass player in an indie band Angels One 5 that was selected by Radio 1 DJ John Peel as being one of his best sessions of 1981. The guitarist, Jimmy Cauty, easily topped this by going on to form a band called the KLF. John clearly turned out to be the serous one.