Behavioural science

How we behave affects us in a wide variety of ways, and impacts our health and wellbeing. Understanding why people behave in the ways that they do and changing those behaviours in positive ways requires a deep understanding of psychology and behavioural science.

We develop interventions focused on behaviour change and wellbeing based on psychological theory and behavioural science. This work has widespread applications, particularly within health and wellbeing but also in domains such as education, policing, business and the public sector.

CeBSAP is leading the Behavioural Science Consortium, which brings together academics from different research centres within SHU and from the University of Manchester. The Behavioural Science Consortium is one of six suppliers on the Crown Commercial Services Behavioural Insights Framework, which aims to apply behavioural science and inform government policy and service. It also seeks to find new ways to encourage, enable and support people to make better choices for themselves.

As the only University-led supplier on the framework, our approach is informed by cutting edge, evidence-based approaches, and rigorous evaluations. These ensure that government policy decisions and their evaluations are informed by the best behavioural science.