Dermot Barnes-Holmes

Dermot Barnes-Holmes is a Professor of Psychology at the School of Psychology, Ulster University. He holds a D.Phil. in Psychology from Ulster University (1987-1990) and a B.Sc. (Hons) in Psychology from the same institution (1982-1985), along with a Certificate in Further and Adult Education from Garnett College (1986–1987). His career spans roles at Ghent University, Maynooth University, and University College Cork.

• Education:
  • D.Phil. Psychology, Ulster University (1987-1990)
  • CNAA Certificate in Further and Adult Education, Garnett College (1986–1987)
  • B.Sc. (Hons) Psychology, Ulster University (1982-1985)

Research Interests focus on experimental analysis of human behavior, relational frame theory (RFT), translational research in behavior analysis, and applications to psychopathology. He pioneered empirical frameworks connecting RFT to cognitive and clinical psychology.

Recent Publications (2025) include critiques of implicit assessment tools like the IRAP, integrations of RFT with stimulus equivalence, and comparative analyses of behavioral measurement methodologies. These works emphasize cognitive modeling and experimental design.

Scientific Achievements include the Odysseus Group I Award (2015-2020), the ABA International Don Hake Translational Research Award, and the Quad-L Annual Lecture Award. He has supervised over 40 doctoral students and secured €3.5M+ in competitive funding since 2000.

Academic Leadership includes editorial roles on top journals (Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, Journal for Contextual Behavioral Science) and co-founding the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science. He has delivered 30+ international keynote lectures.