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Peer-reviewedCC BY 4.0PLOS One

Developing the UK’s capability in behavioural research: Identifying strengths, challenges and strategies through cross-sector workshops

  • Guanyu Yang1
  • Katherine R. K. Saunders2
  • Niamh Hart3
  • Joanna Davan Wetton4
  • Nia Coupe
  • Isabelle Olson
  • Lucy Porter
  • Sharon Cox
  • Jo Hart
  • Susan Michie
4 affiliations
  1. 1Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, United Kingdom
  2. 2Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
  3. 3Division of Medical Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
  4. 4Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Abstract

Behavioural research shapes policy across multiple sectors; building strong capability for researchers and research users is essential to maximise its impact. This study aimed to identify strengths, barriers, and opportunities for improvement among those conducting or using behavioural research across UK sectors. We conducted five qualitative workshops, with 58 participants from academia, government, public and third sectors, and the private sector. Using framework analysis, growing visibility and successful embedding of behavioural research in some organisations were identified as key strengths. However, barriers included public misconceptions, limited funding and capacity, difficulties in research translation, siloed working, inconsistent training provision, and insufficient leadership support. Participants proposed actionable strategies, including making behavioural research more accessible, reforming funding structures, and enhancing cross-sector collaboration and training. Our findings highlight the need for sustained investment and stronger collaboration to better align behavioural research with public and policy priorities, address sector-specific challenges, and build on existing strengths.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{yang2026developing,
  title = {{Developing the UK’s capability in behavioural research: Identifying strengths, challenges and strategies through cross-sector workshops}},
  author = {Guanyu Yang and Katherine R. K. Saunders and Niamh Hart and Joanna Davan Wetton and Nia Coupe and Isabelle Olson and Lucy Porter and Sharon Cox and Jo Hart and Susan Michie},
  journal = {PLOS One},
  year = {2026},
  month = sep,
  doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0357909},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0357909},
  note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Developing the UK’s capability in behavioural research: Identifying strengths, challenges and strategies through cross-sector workshops
AU  - Guanyu Yang
AU  - Katherine R. K. Saunders
AU  - Niamh Hart
AU  - Joanna Davan Wetton
AU  - Nia Coupe
AU  - Isabelle Olson
AU  - Lucy Porter
AU  - Sharon Cox
AU  - Jo Hart
AU  - Susan Michie
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/09/10
JO  - PLOS One
DO  - 10.1371/journal.pone.0357909
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0357909
AB  - Behavioural research shapes policy across multiple sectors; building strong capability for researchers and research users is essential to maximise its impact. This study aimed to identify strengths, barriers, and opportunities for improvement among those conducting or using behavioural research across UK sectors. We conducted five qualitative workshops, with 58 participants from academia, government, public and third sectors, and the private sector. Using framework analysis, growing visibility and successful embedding of behavioural research in some organisations were identified as key strengths. However, barriers included public misconceptions, limited funding and capacity, difficulties in research translation, siloed working, inconsistent training provision, and insufficient leadership support. Participants proposed actionable strategies, including making behavioural research more accessible, reforming funding structures, and enhancing cross-sector collaboration and training. Our findings highlight the need for sustained investment and stronger collaboration to better align behavioural research with public and policy priorities, address sector-specific challenges, and build on existing strengths.
SN  - 1932-6203
ER  -