Research
We have consistently excelled in assessments of research quality. We performed well in RAE2008 (6th research power), and according to the recent ESRC International Benchmarking exercise,
the Department is currently the 5th highest in terms of QR and 7th in terms of research funding within the UK.
Research is organised across five collaborative research groupings:
Computational Neuroscience & Robotics
We design computational models and build robots based on how the brain works. Modelling helps us to understand the fundamental principles of neural
processing, and by testing our models in robots we can better understand the intelligent behavior of animals and people. We also use insights from this
work to develop technologies, such as assistive robots, that are adaptable and socially useful.
Systems Neuroscience
Brain recording and imaging technology allows us to investigate how the brain works, while it is working. Our research makes connections between the
different levels of description of brain function - anatomical, physiological and behavioural
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Professor Peter Redgrave |
Development
The group occupies one whole floor of the Psychology Department and has many specialist testing rooms for working with babies, children and adults,including video recording, state-of-the-art voice recording, EEG, specialist eye-tracking and virtual reality programs. We have particular expertise in the
analysis of large data sets. We have a long established database of local families so that children can be tracked for years as they develop. We cover
all aspects of typical and atypical development (including children with autism, with Downs syndrome, with Williams syndrome, children with language
delay and with dyslexia). Our applied research is related to such groups and includes: interventions to improve children’s communication, to improve
spatial reasoning, new interventions in dyslexia, and in health and diabetes education, and specialist work with young people with autism.
The group currently collaborates on projects with researchers in 15 countries, and collects data from children in 18 countries - so our research reflects
contemporary children’s lives world-wide.
Social, Health & Environmental
The SHEP group undertakes basic and applied research on issues of social and public health significance, with a particular emphasis on social cognition,
emotion regulation and behaviour change. Current projects focuses on developing interventions to promote more positive attitudes and behaviour relating
to health (smoking prevention, teenage pregnancy, improved diet and exercise participation), the environment (renewable forms of energy; sustainable
consumption; resource dilemmas) and intergroup relations (prejudice, stereotyping, diversity and multiculturalism).
Clinical
The Clinical Psychology Unit (CPU) houses a group of research active clinical academics who are committed to enhancing clinical research through publication in
quality journals, contributing to developments in clinical practice through the dissemination of research findings, and providing excellence in professional training
and the local provision of clinical services.
The CPU is uniquely placed to advocate for and disseminate the contribution of Psychology throughout the University and the local NHS. Accordingly, many staff
collaborate with other clinical academics within the University and within the NHS, often leading to cross-cutting interdisciplinary research and publication in
non-psychology journals. Staff also have national and international collaborations.