Conference showcased depth and innovation in psychological research and practice

On 9 September 2024, we held our annual conference at the Museum of Making in Derby entitled 'Celebrating Psychology in the Midlands 2024'. With over 120 delegates and 50 presenters, this was our biggest conference yet, offering a rich and diverse range of presentations that highlighted the depth and innovation in psychological research and practice across the Midlands region.

The keynote sessions set the tone for the event, with Dr Rachael Wheatley and Dr Georgia Harris offering an inspiring insight into their forensic psychology journeys, emphasising the value of the 'Scientist-Practitioner Model.' The importance they placed on combining academic knowledge with practical experience resonated with many attendees. 

Later, Dr Harriet Baird and Professor Thomas Webb discussed the crucial role of psychology in promoting sustainable behaviours, specifically reducing single-use plastic waste. They highlighted the potential of reusing packaging and containers, exploring psychological barriers to reuse, such as concerns about hygiene and utility. Proposed solutions included reassuring consumers about cleanliness, incentivising reuse, and encouraging long-term thinking.

Lightning talks

The five-minute lightning talk session provided an engaging mix of topics, primarily from student presenters. From Emma Maier's research on the links between gamification and behaviour change mechanisms to George Mycock's investigation into gendered resources in body image healthcare, these talks sparked lively Q&A discussions. 

Particularly notable was the focus on real-world applications of findings, such as Claire Baert's pilot study on the use of OCOsense glasses to modify the speed of eating behaviour through haptic feedback. 

Congratulations to Pragya Modi for winning best lightning talk for her exploration of gender dynamics in online gaming and the advocation of inclusivity in gaming spaces! 

After lunch, a lively session showcased 18 posters, again spanning the broad psychology discipline. Congratulations to Emma Barker for winning best poster, which outlined the use of IPA in exploring the views of autistic adults on romantic relationships.

Focus on careers

In addition to dedicated oral presentation sessions focusing on educational, organisational and health psychology, delegates also had the opportunity to discuss their next career move with our nine career exhibitors. We were delighted to welcome organisations from across the Midlands region, including the First Steps Eating Disorder charity, Nottinghamshire police and Klinefelters Syndrome Association, which had plenty of volunteering opportunities on offer. There were also stands highlighting other BPS sections/divisions to get involved with. 

Alongside this, two applied workshops broke up the day nicely, one focusing on interpretative phenomenological analysis (facilitated by Dr Fiona Holland and Dr Jane Montague) and the other exploring how to foster compassionate communication among higher education students (facilitated by Dr Caroline Harvey and Professor Frances Maratos).

The day culminated with productive BPS East and West Midlands branch meetings to discuss our plans for the year ahead. Keep your eyes peeled for more information regarding our funding initiatives, 'Psyc at the mic' events, CPD workshops, PGR-led events and much more! 

Overall, the event was a testament to the thriving psychological community in the Midlands, offering valuable insights, fostering collaboration, and providing a platform for the next generation of researchers/practitioners. We hope attendees left the conference feeling inspired and we look forward to another jam-packed BPS Midlands conference next year!

Report by Dr Charlotte Scott, Secretary for the BPS East Midlands committee and conference lead 2024