Nia Coupe, Post Doctoral Research Fellow, University of Manchester

I’m a research fellow based in the Behavioural Science for International Health Workforce Group in the School of Medical Sciences at The University of Manchester. Within BR-UK I currently co-lead Work Package 1 which focuses on building behavioural research capability across sectors. For this we are doing a range of work to understand the current landscape of BR capability which is summarised here. I am also working on Theme 4, Organisation, Markets and the Economy, for which we are exploring how behavioural research is embedded across a broad range of organisations. I have also contributed to work within Demo Projects 1 and 5.

I’m a Chartered Psychologist with a broad and diverse background in behavioural and health research. Before completing my PhD, I spent several years working in clinical psychology and primary care mental health research, and earned an MPhil focused on collaborative care for depression. During my PhD I shifted my focus away from mental into physical health, where I explored how dietary behaviours could be improved to support weight loss in low socioeconomic communities. During this time, I developed strong behavioural science expertise, including attending the CBC summer school which had a significant impact on my career trajectory.

Since then, I’ve balanced academic roles in psychology with applied work in government, working as a Behavioural Scientist within the Department of Health and Social Care. More recently, I’ve become interested in the intersection of health and climate change. I currently co-chair the UKSBM Climate Change Special Interest Group and am developing research that supports sustainable and healthy behaviours.

This breadth of experience across clinical, academic, and policy settings gives me a strong foundation for contributing to Behavioural Research UK’s work.

Gaining practical experience is essential, not just for building your skills, but for discovering what you enjoy and who you enjoy working with. I've often been advised to move between institutions (or even countries) to build a career. While that can be valuable for some, my advice is don’t feel pressured to follow a traditional path. Especially post-COVID, flexible and remote working has become much more accessible. Focus on what works best for you and your circumstances. The right environment and support system matter just as much as the opportunities themselves.

Behavioural research is a fast-evolving field, and there’s no universal roadmap. That said, I believe a strong foundation in theory is essential, whether through a Master's programme, summer school, or other formal training.

Equally important is practical experience, for example applying behavioural theory in research or policy settings helps you understand how it works in the real world. Finally, think about your own values and priorities. Whether you’re drawn to academic, policy, or applied work, choose opportunities that align with the kind of impact you want to make.