The Behaviour Change Cluster provides a platform for research into the development, evaluation and translation of public health interventions to help people change their behaviour to improve their health within the context of broader social and environmental influences.

Within the Cluster, our members engage in a broad spectrum of research related to regional and national priorities including, but not limited to, physical activity, diet, smoking/vaping, alcohol, and healthcare professionals’ behaviours. We have strong links to the other Fuse research clusters exploring and catalysing behaviour change efforts in early life, as part of healthy longevity, in support of public mental health, and to reduce health inequalities. We help translate findings for our policy and practice partners in the NHS, local government and other public, private and voluntary organisations.

We actively collaborate with the NIHR School for Public Health Research (SPHR) through the Three Schools Prevention, Mental Health Research and Dementia Research programmes, as well as SPHR’s wider research themes (e.g. Healthy Places, Healthy Planet and Public Mental Health).

The objectives of the Cluster are to:

• Connect researchers, practitioners and policymakers from across Fuse to explore and support opportunities for behaviour change research aligned with local, regional and national priorities.
• Shape institutional, regional and international conversations on the principles and practices that underpin world-leading behaviour change research.
• Equip researchers, practitioners and policymakers with adaptable skills and tools to design, implement and evaluate behaviour change interventions.
• Develop the evidence base for how interventions can be arranged and tailored for individuals and communities, including those that are under-represented or experience barriers to good health.
• Advance the translation of public health behaviour change research into policy and practice by sharing learning, examples and emerging findings from across the Cluster.
• Strengthen understanding of approaches that support positive health-related behaviour change in communities facing social and economic disadvantage, including the potential role of the public engagement strategies.

Contact

Dr Angela Rodrigues - Co-lead, Northumbria University
Email: angela.rodrigues@northumbria.ac.uk

Dr Grant McGeechan - Co-lead, Teesside University
Email: g.mcgeechan@tees.ac.uk

Dr Benjamin Rigby - Co-lead, Newcastle University
Email: benjamin.rigby@newcastle.ac.uk