On completing six years as head of LSE Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science 2020-2026

Shortly completing 6-years as head of LSE Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science. The current Department was formed in 2016 through bringing together staff in social and organisational psychology with colleagues in behavioural science. Throughout the history of LSE, there has been a strong presence for social and organisational psychology, not least in the work of one of the founders Graham Wallas. Psychology was taught alongside anthropology and sociology in general social science courses through the first half of 20th century. The great Hilde Himmelweit was the key founding figure for social psychology here, as founding chair and main energy behind the creation of a Department of Social Psychology and ensuing traditions such as social representations have created a strong intellectual legacy that remains. Through Beveridge and many others there has also been a long tradition of integrating ideas about human welfare and well-being into public policy. The creation of the Executive MSc in Behavioural Science in 2014, the MSc in Behavioural Science in 2019 and the development of the behavioural science lab cemented a strong presence for behavioural science in LSE. Bringing social, organisational psychology and behavioural science into one Department has led to a decade of new programmes, new research and policy collaborations, and interesting ideas, including the creation of a new undergraduate programme in psychological and behavioural science. It has been a pleasure to be a part of developing this further in the last six years, including bringing on a new generation of faculty and staff, and working with a great team and collaborators across the Department, School, & beyond to develop many aspects of the effort. We are fortunate that Professor Alex Gillespie has agreed to take on the role. Looking forward to continuing to work here as a faculty member in the Department, some roles in the School, and as co-lead of the behavioural science postgraduate programme. I will also co-ordinate a new general course reviving the format of faculty-led debates on key issues in contemporary psychology and behavioural science. Will continue to update here on a new research group at the intersection of economic psychology and behavioural public administration. For the many people here who interacted with me and the Department throughout the six years including through some pretty intense times in a challenging environment for social science in the UK, thanks and look forward to keeping in touch, and strong assurance that the energy that has led to such an interesting space for these areas is alive and well.