Emma Barrett

Professor Emma Barrett holds the Chair in Psychology, Security & Trust at the University of Manchester, directing research on security psychology and extreme environments. She leads the EPSRC-funded Security, Privacy, Identity and Trust NetworkPlus (SPRITE+), fostering cross-sector collaboration in digital security. Previously, she established and led a UK Government research unit applying behavioral science to security challenges.

Research examines harmful technology use, investigative decision-making, and online victimization. Extreme environments research focuses on performance in Arctic, space-analogue, and remote settings through collaborations with NASA, ESA, and Antarctic Heritage Trust. Authored the acclaimed book 'Extreme: Why some people thrive at the limits' exploring high-risk performance psychology.

Publications reveal consistent focus on security decision-making frameworks, digital trust architectures, and resilience in confined environments. Recent work addresses cybersecurity governance, space psychology, and refugee identity transformation.

Honored with OBE for security research contributions and Robert Hoffman Award for methodological innovation. Co-directs the Centre for Digital Trust and Society and teaches the 'Trust and Security in the Digital Age' interdisciplinary course.

Advises government agencies on security policy and leads projects on online child protection and threats to democratic processes.