James Cussens is a Senior Lecturer in the Dept of Computer Science at the University of York, UK. He works on machine learning, particularly Bayesian statistics, probabilistic graphical models and statistical relational learning. He is also a member of the York Centre for Complex Systems Analysis and is involved in interdisciplinary research including philosophy, statistical genetics, discrete optimisation and toxicology. He received his PhD in Philosophy of Science from King's College, London in 1991.

According to a recent study by HIIT and UC Berkeley researchers, fear of owing a debt of gratitude and a reluctance to ask for help are slowing the success of online services that facilitate joint use, borrowing and exchange of services. People who engage in exchange activities were not as concerned about becoming the target of unfair accusations about being a ‘free rider’.