Emma Davies

Dr Emma Davies is a Reader in Psychology at Oxford Brookes University, affiliated with the School of Psychology, Social Work and Public Health. She is an active researcher and supervisor, focusing on health behavior change, particularly in the areas of alcohol use, mental health, and public health interventions.

Research Interests: Her work centers on understanding and modifying alcohol-related behaviors across diverse populations, including mid-life women, university students, and transgender and non-binary communities. She employs theory-based interventions, particularly the Prototype Willingness Model, and explores digital and storytelling-based approaches to behavior change. Her research extends into breast cancer prevention, AI-enhanced student wellbeing, and substance use policy.

Recent Research Trends: Her recent publications reflect a strong international focus, often leveraging data from the Global Drug Survey. Themes include alcohol reduction strategies (especially NoLo products), health communication around alcohol and cancer, social norms, psychedelic use, and health disparities in LGBTQ+ populations. Her work combines qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches.

Scientific Awards:

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
• Professional Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education (PCTHE)

Advising and Grants: Dr Davies supervises multiple PhD students and has secured significant funding from bodies including the NIHR, Medical Research Council, Cancer Research UK, and Innovate UK. Her grants support projects on alcohol reduction, mental health interventions, and public health messaging. She collaborates widely across disciplines and institutions.

Labs and Teams: She is involved with the Centre for Healthy Living and the Applied Social and Cultural Psychology research group at Oxford Brookes. She also serves as the Alcohol Lead for the Global Drug Survey, contributing to international data collection and analysis on substance use.