Oliver Merry

Dr Oliver Merry is a Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology and Course Leader for the BSc (Hons) Criminology & Psychology at Sheffield Hallam University. He co-leads the Preventing, Researching, and Investigating Criminality and Exploitation (PRICE) theme within the Centre for Behavioural Science and Applied Psychology (CeBSAP). His research focuses on technology-assisted sexual violence, child protection, and online harms, collaborating with UK police forces, the Home Office, and the NSPCC. He holds a PhD from Sheffield Hallam University (2020) and previously earned a BSc (Hons) Criminology & Psychology (2013) and MSc Investigative Psychology (2016, Distinction) from Sheffield Hallam and the University of Huddersfield, respectively.

Teaching responsibilities include modules on Investigative Psychology, Theories of Criminal Behaviour, and Applied Cyberpsychology across BSc Psychology, BSc Criminology & Psychology, and MSc Forensic Psychology programs. Key research projects include the UKRI-funded 3PO initiative (2022–2025) and an NSPCC study on sexual harm in competitive gaming (2019–2022). He is a member of the South Yorkshire Police Evidence-Based Policing Board and a reviewer for the journal Sexual Offending: Theory, Research and Prevention.

Notable achievements include the Student of the Year Award (2013) and Chancellor’s Prize (2016). His work bridges academia and practice, addressing critical issues in forensic psychology and digital safety through interdisciplinary collaborations and policy-informed research.