Nick, who at the time was Professor of Computer Science and a Chief Scientific Advisor to the UK Government, was awarded the title due to his internationally recognised authority in agent-based computing and intelligent systems. 

He pioneered the application of multi-agent technology, developing some of the first real-world systems in business procure management, energy systems, sensor networks, disaster response, telecommunications and eDefence, and led the ORCHID programme that investigated how people could work in partnership with computational agents to develop world-leading science and real-world applications in areas such as disaster response, citizen science and smart energy systems. 

Since leaving Southampton, Nick has been the Vice-Provost (Research) at Imperial College and is currently the President and Vice-Chancellor of Loughborough University.