Connecting People, Place & Practice in Environmental Psychology
- Climate and environment
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This inaugural online event by the Environmental Psychology section will appeal to both BPS members and the wider community interested in the intersection between people, places, and psychology.
This morning session involves lightening talks from an early career research, senior academic and practitioner working in the field.
This will be followed by a small group networking session focused on conversations about what attendees would like from the Environmental Psychology section to connect our community, as well as how to attendees from outside the BPS can become an affiliated subscriber to the Environmental Psychology section.
After a mid-day break, a Methods Matters session will explore the variety of methods used in person-environment research and small-group discussions of how research is being translated into real world impact.
The purpose of this connection event is to bring together attendees to provide an opportunity to network, to share ideas and insights.
Due to the two-way interactive nature of the event, this event will not be recorded and certificates of attendance will not be issued.
Join the event
If you have any further questions, please contact [email protected]
10:00: Welcome from the Environmental Psychology Section Committee
10:10: Professor Emeritus David Uzzell
10:30: Harriet MacLachlainn
10:50: Marta Saniewska
Break
11:10-12:15: Methods Matter: research methods and approaches in environmental psychology
Break
12:30-13:30: Open discussion: moving forward - what would members like from the section?
Professor Emeritus David Uzzell, University of Surrey
Where is the Environment in Environmental Psychology?
David's research has focussed on social and participatory responses and collective action in relation to all aspects of the built and natural environment, and especially climate change. Within the last 10 years he has been a leading figure in developing the research area 'environmental labour studies' which explores the relationship between nature/climate action, labour and the workplace. His other main interest is the meaning and interpretation of the heritage. He is an advisor to UNESCO on international heritage interpretation.
Following a very brief comment on changes in the research interests of environmental psychologists over the last 50 years, I would like to make some critical reflections on environmental psychology in 2025, and briefly discuss three issues a) Where is the environment in environmental psychology, b) the need for inter and transdisciplinary working, and c) the 'global' is the guest who is rarely invited to dinner.
Marta Saniewska, Environmental Psychologist, Foster+Partners
Marta works as an Environmental Psychologist in Foster+Partners' Urban Design Team where she applies psychological research to support architects in creating evidence-based designs. She holds a BSc in Psychology from Durham University and MPhil in Architecture and Urban Studies from the University of Cambridge; she's a member of the British Psychological Society, Centre for Conscious Design, an affiliate member of the Royal Institute of British Architects, an active participant in the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture and more. Marta's professional interests lie in enhancing users' wellbeing through design and communicating the role of the built environment in shaping public health.
Harriet MacLachlainn, University of the West of Scotland
Adolescent Wellbeing and the Built School Environment: Participatory Approaches in Environmental Psychology
Harriet MacLachlainn is a PhD researcher at the University of the West of Scotland, exploring how school environments influence adolescent mental health and well-being. Her work uses participatory, creative methods grounded in environmental psychology and youth rights to centre young people's lived experiences."