In the press
Our academics are regularly featured in the media, sharing insights from their research and contributing to public conversations on psychological and behavioural science. This page brings together recent news articles, interviews and other press coverage so you can explore how our work is informing policy, practice and everyday understanding.
Latest stories
‘Read this and you will be happier’: experts pick the self‑help books that really work
The Guardian, 17 January 2026
This article features contributions from leading voices in psychology and wellbeing, including Professor Paul Dolan from our department. It brings together expert recommendations on self‑help books grounded in research and real‑world practice, with Professor Dolan selecting the title he believes can make the biggest difference to your happiness
Fury as NHS tells midwives to back cousin marriage as 'only' 15 per cent have deformed babies
Daily Mail, 17 January 2026
Professor Michael Muthukrishna discusses the practice of cousin marriage and its potential impact on communities.
This story was also covered by The Times (behind paywall).
Chatbots can sway political opinions but are ‘substantially’ inaccurate, study finds
The Guardian, 4 December 2025
A major study reported by The Guardian shows that AI chatbots can significantly influence people’s political opinions, often by providing large amounts of information that is not always accurate. The research team included Dr Ben Tappin from PBS, who helped reveal how more persuasive AI responses tend to be less reliable.
UN warns about AI becoming another ‘Great Divergence’ between rich and poor countries like the Industrial Revolution
Fortune, 2 December 2025
A Fortune-reported UNDP analysis warns that AI could trigger a new “Great Divergence,” widening the gap between rich and poor countries much like the Industrial Revolution. The report’s lead author, Professor Michael Muthukrishna, stresses that AI policies must put people first, highlighting risks of exclusion for communities with limited digital access and the need for inclusive development to ensure AI benefits are shared globally.