Derek Heim

Roles & Affiliations: Derek Heim is a Professor of Psychology affiliated with the Psychology Health Research Institute. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of Addiction Research and Theory since 2011 and as Member of the Editorial Board for Scientific Reports (2021–2024). He leads a major research project titled 'The Affected Other: Exploring Identity and Identity Transition Among the Support Networks of People in Recovery' as Principal Investigator.

Research Focus: His work centers on alcohol consumption behaviors, inhibitory control mechanisms, and the impact of social norms (especially masculine norms) on hazardous drinking patterns. Key areas include systematic reviews of affective states' relationship to alcohol use, policy responses to anti-scientific governmental actions, and emotional responses during intoxication. Methodologies span experimental psychology, meta-analyses, and multisite behavioral studies.

Collaborations & Impact: Extensive international collaborations include researchers from institutions in Europe, Australia, and North America. His 2025 editorial criticizing US Trump administration policies garnered attention across 35 Bluesky platforms and 1 news outlet. Recent work highlights gendered drinking behaviors and recovery support networks' identity dynamics.

Grants & Projects: Currently leads a major research project funded through grant applications focusing on recovery networks' identity transitions. Previously managed projects addressing protective behavioral strategies and policy advocacy in addiction science.