Gavin Breslin

Gavin Breslin serves as Interim Research Director for the Psychology Research Institute at Ulster University and holds a Senior Lecturer position in the School of Psychology. He is a core member of the Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing with extensive leadership roles across academic, research, and policy domains.

His educational background includes a BSc and PhD in Psychology from Queens University Belfast, completion of Ulster University's Aspiring Academic Leadership and Management Programme, and International Business studies in the USA. Professional certifications include British Psychological Society Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist status, Health Care Professions Council registration, and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy designation.

Research focuses on mental health interventions in sport, forensic settings, and disadvantaged communities using behavior change theory. His work spans systematic reviews, RCT designs, and large-scale implementations like the Sport For Life Programme serving 7,000+ children. Key contributions include authoring Sport Northern Ireland's 'Wellbeing in Sport Action Plan 2019-2025' and leading international consensus statements with 10 countries.

Award highlights include BPS Chartered status, HCPC registration, SFHEA fellowship, and appointment as Chief Assessor for BPS Stage 2 Qualification. His research has been cited by the Royal College of Psychiatry and Ministry of Justice reports.

As principal investigator, he has secured funding from UEFA, NIHR, Sport NI, and Public Health Agencies for projects including the Whole Systems Approach to Diet and Healthy Weight in East Scotland. He chairs the BPS DSEP COVID-19 Working Group and mentors research staff while supervising PhD completions. Current leadership includes directing REF Impact Case Studies and managing active grants until 2026.

His laboratory work centers on the Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, coordinating multi-institutional teams across forensic, educational, and sport settings with emphasis on practical implementation of evidence-based interventions.