Rebekah Rees, Post Doctoral Research Fellow, Queens University Belfast

I am a Research Fellow based in the Centre for Public Health at Queen’s University Belfast, working within BR-UK’s Health and Wellbeing theme. My work focuses on understanding the behavioural factors that influence childhood obesity. As a first step, I carried out a review of the behavioural determinants of obesity in children and adolescents. The next stage of the project involves mapping these behaviours onto existing population-based surveys, to see how well they are being captured across the UK’s child health data landscape.

My background is in Psychology I completed both my undergraduate degree (BSc Psychology) in 2019 and PhD at Ulster University (2019-2023) with supervisors Drs Noel Brick, Niamh Kennedy, Liz Simpson, and Professor Victoria Simms. My doctoral research titled “the effects of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity on cognitive function post stroke” was the accumulation of three studies (a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of exercise intensity on cognitive function post stroke; a qualitative study on the barriers and facilitators of exercise after stroke; and a randomised controlled trial feasibility study looking at a dual task exercise and cognitive task 8 week programme on stroke outcomes). These research skills have transferred directly into my current role within the Health and Wellbeing theme, where my interests in behavioural science and health psychology help me explore how different behaviours shape health outcomes.

Start building experience as early as you can and don’t be afraid to explore different areas of research. For me, that began during my undergraduate degree when I worked as a Research Assistant on a project looking at children’s mathematics development. After graduating, I continued as a Research Assistant in two very different roles — one at Ulster University, where I supported research into mental health in Ukraine, and another at the Northern Ireland Clinical Research Facility, where I gained valuable clinical research experience.

Each role gave me new skills and perspectives, and together they helped shape the researcher I am today. My advice would be to embrace variety — every project you take on adds something to your toolkit and helps you discover what you’re most passionate about. Even if your path feels a little zig-zagged at times, it’s all building towards a strong foundation for a career in behavioural research.

I think a mix of technical and personal skills is really important. On the technical side, being confident with research methods is key - from systematic reviews to data analysis, both quantitative and qualitative. Communication is just as valuable: being able to explain your research clearly, whether in academic papers, presentations, or conversations with the public, makes your work accessible and impactful. I found taking part in my university 3MinuteThesis competition was great for developing this skill!

But just as crucial are the softer skills. Curiosity drives good research, and flexibility helps when projects don’t go to plan (because they rarely ever do!). Teamwork is also vital - much of behavioural research is collaborative, and working well with others opens up so many opportunities. For me, saying yes to a range of projects early on helped me build these skills naturally, and I’d encourage anyone starting out to do the same.