Department of Psychology

Our research mission

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Understanding our place in the world

At Essex, research in the Psychology Department is united by a central mission: to understand our place in the world.

We explore how people think about, interact with, and experience the world around them - an approach we call TIE. These three interconnected lenses guide our research across diverse topics, tying together the many threads of psychological science.

We’ve built a dynamic and collaborative research environment that reflects the original vision of Essex’s first Vice-Chancellor, Sir Albert Sloman, who championed the idea of breaking down disciplinary boundaries to pursue the unity of knowledge. That vision continues to shape how we work today.

Although we’re based in the Faculty of Science and Health, our research crosses traditional borders. We collaborate closely with the Faculty of Social Sciences and engage with interdisciplinary hubs such as the Essex Biomedical Sciences Centre (EBSC) and the Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER). These partnerships reflect our belief that complex questions require collaborative answers.

To bring our mission to life, our research focuses on nine “worlds”, broad thematic areas that reflect the real-world contexts in which psychological processes unfold. You can find out more about each of these worlds below. Importantly, within and across these worlds, our researchers apply diverse methods (e.g., neuroscience, behavioural) and perspectives to explore the full spectrum of human thought, behaviour, and experience. Our structure encourages intellectual ambition, interdisciplinary collaboration, and research excellence.

We’re committed to investing in our facilities. Over the past few years, we have invested more than £500,000 into our facilities, including the acquisition of a transcranial ultrasound stimulation device (TUS). By offering our staff and students the opportunity to use state-of-the art facilities and by fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations, we enhance our collective strength and extend the reach of our research mission.

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), we were ranked 20th in the UK for research outputs (GPA) and 17th for research power, a recognition of the quality, depth, and relevance of our work.

Explore our worlds

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Caring World

In a caring world, we focus on emotional connection, empathy, and mutual respect. We nurture societal well-being by promoting trust, understanding, and support, recognising the importance of both individual and community contributions.

Read more about our Caring World
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Connected World

A connected world is one where individuals feel a sense of belonging and meaningful relationships with others. As a society we embrace empathy, social support, and open communication to fosters a collective sense of identity and shared responsibility.

Read more about our Connected World
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Developmental World

The developmental world prioritises growth, learning, and the continuous improvement of individuals and communities. Society needs access to resources and opportunities that foster development by cultivating skills, resilience, and well-being at every stage of life.

Read more about our Developmental World
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Educational World

An educational world prioritises learning, knowledge, and access to quality education for all. It’s a world where education empowers individuals, diverse perspectives are valued, and people are encouraged to pursue both academic and personal growth. The educated world fosters a culture of curiosity, innovation, and lifelong learning.

Read more about our Educational World
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Emotional World

Emotions shape our experiences, relationships, and decisions. In an emotional world, empathy, compassion, and emotional intelligence help navigate challenges and create supportive environments. Emotions inspire, heal, and build meaningful connections.​

Read more about our Emotional World
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Fair and Just World

A fair and just world ensures equal access to opportunities, rights, and resources for all, regardless of background or identity. It values dignity, respect, and equality, with systems designed to prevent discrimination and promote fairness, accountability, and social equity.

Read more about our Fair and Just World
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Healthy World

A healthy world is one where individuals and communities thrive both physically and emotionally. It benefits from environments that support mental well-being, reduce stress, and encourage positive relationships. People feel safe and valued, can live fulfilling and healthy lives.

Read more about our Healthy World
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Informed World

Knowledge and access to information are key to how individuals and societies thrive. Technology and communication make learning, sharing, and understanding easier, empowering people to make informed decisions, solve problems, and connect through the exchange of ideas.

Read more about our Informed World
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Sustainable World

In a sustainable world, resources are used to meet the needs of the present without compromising the future. Environmental protection, social well-being, and economic stability go hand in hand, promoting practices that preserve natural ecosystems, reduce waste, and encourage responsible consumption.

Read more about our Sustainable World

Highlights of our research

Research showcase

Research in our department has real-world impact that improves the lives of people in all walks of life:

Papers

Our academics publish papers in a range of journals related to their areas of interest. Some of our papers include:

Press

Our researchers frequently appear in national and international press and contribute articles to The Conversation:

Investment in facilities

In the last five years we have invested in facilities of the highest quality.

  • We have continued to invest in our Centre for Brain Science, with over £300k spent on equipment and software over the past two years to ensure our researchers have access to the tools they need.
  • We also have excellent facilities for electroencephalography (EEG) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), with multi-method equipment.
Get in touch
Departmental Director of Research Professor Sheina Orbell