Sebastian Potthoff

Dr. Sebastian Potthoff is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work, Education & Community Wellbeing at Northumbria University. He holds dual roles as a Chartered Health Psychologist and co-leader of the Innovation and Implementation Research Group. His work bridges Health Psychology and Implementation Science, focusing on habit-based interventions and stakeholder engagement in healthcare innovation.

Education:

• PhD in Psychology, Newcastle University (2014–2017)
• MRes in Cross-Cultural Psychology, Leiden University (2010–2013)
• BA in Psychology, Leiden University (2007–2010)

Research Interests:
His research explores how habitual behaviors of healthcare professionals impact evidence-based practice. He develops tools like the I-STEM and ItFits-toolkit to translate theory into actionable strategies. Key areas include:

• Psychology of habit in clinical settings
• Implementation of service innovations
• Stakeholder engagement methods

Awards:

• 2023 Fuse Award for Outstanding Translational Research Initiative

Advising & Funding:
Currently supervising three PhD students and has secured £5M+ in grants from NIHR and The Health Foundation. Leads projects on alcohol intervention implementation and personalized safety planning for self-harm prevention.

Labs & Affiliations:
Head Editor of the Practical Health Psychology Blog, Director at Open Digital Health, and Training Lead for NIHR’s Knowledge Mobilisation Theme.