David Junior Gilbert

David Junior Gilbert is a University Fellow at the University of Salford's School of Health and Society, specializing in research on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and its implications for the criminal justice system. His work focuses on understanding vulnerabilities such as interrogative suggestibility, compliance, and confabulation in individuals with FASD. Gilbert is a member of multiple academic networks including Her Majesty's Prisons and Probation Service (HMPPS), Society for Evidence Based policing, Neurodivergence in the Criminal Justice Network, and SalfordFASD research group. He also organizes TEDxUniversityofSalford events.

• Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry (2006-2011, Part Time)
• Master's Degree in Public Health (2018-2019, Part Time)
• PhD in Public Health and Psychology (2020-2023, Part Time)

Dr. Gilbert's research interests center on public health, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and alcohol harm, with a focus on how individuals with FASD interact with the criminal justice system. His work examines specific vulnerabilities like interrogative suggestibility, acquiescence, compliance, and confabulation. He is passionate about increasing knowledge, understanding, and awareness surrounding FASD within justice system encounters. His research also extends to neurodivergence more broadly and sustainable development goals.

Analysis of Gilbert's 15 most recent publications reveals a strong interdisciplinary approach spanning psychology, criminology, public health, and social justice. While the majority focus on FASD and criminal justice interactions, his work also explores decolonization in academia, sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa, and neurodiversity in child safeguarding. His research employs diverse methodologies including qualitative interviews, quantitative assessments, scoping reviews, and theoretical analyses, reflecting his commitment to comprehensive understanding of complex social and health issues.

• Professor Lindsey Dugdill Memorial Award for Outstanding Doctoral Studies 2023/24

Dr. Gilbert is actively supervising PhD students and holds a 5-year fellowship leading to tenure. His current research involves international collaboration with experts from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, the US, and UK to investigate confabulation, suggestibility, compliance, and acquiescence in individuals with FASD. He works closely with police and probation services to deliver training aimed at increasing FASD awareness within the justice system. His research has practical implications for policy and practice regarding the training of professionals, screening procedures, and support for individuals impacted by prenatal alcohol exposure.

Dr. Gilbert is affiliated with the Centre for Applied Health Research and the Centre for Research on Inclusive Society at the University of Salford. His work involves collaboration with multiple international research teams and justice system professionals to address the overrepresentation of individuals with FASD in criminal justice settings. Through his TEDxUniversityofSalford events, he also contributes to broader knowledge dissemination within the academic community and public sphere.