BSPHN Conference 2025: Keeping Ahead of Change

Applied behavioural and social sciences can develop and improve the reach and impact of health interventions and help address the most pressing public health challenges.

Join the largest gathering in the UK of leaders and practitioners in behavioural science, social science and public health who are seeking:

• Learning & inspiration from examples of the latest work across the UK
• Practical tools to increase the effectiveness of interventions and services
• A national community dedicated to changing behaviour to improve public health

When and where

Date: Tuesday 4th March 2025 09:00–16:30 GMT

Venue: Liverpool John Moores University

About this event

Expect renowned keynote speakers, open panel discussions, oral presentation sessions and interactive workshops, with plenty of opportunities to learn, network, and be inspired!

Who is it for?

This event is for anyone seeking to develop their knowledge and application of behavioural science and social science in the real world, to improve population health.

Keynote speakers

We’ll be joined by esteemed leaders from Public Health, Academia and Behavioural Science, to ensure delegates hear the latest thought leadership and keep pace with change in our sectors.

Our keynote speakers are:

• Greg Fell – Sheffield's Director of Public Health (DPH). He is also the current President of the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH)
• Professor Linda Bauld – Professor of Public Health at the University of Edinburgh and Chief Social Policy Adviser, Scottish Government
• Steven Johnson – Award-winning independent behavioural insights advisor. A pioneer in applied behavioural science in local government and public health

With further oral presentations and workshops to be announced, keep an eye on this page in the coming weeks for more information and the full conference programme.

Workshops

Strengthening Behavioural Science in the NHS: Insights, Opportunities, and Future Priorities – Dr Terence McElvaney (NHS England Behavioural Science Unit); Dr Jennifer Thomas; Dr Lois Griffiths (Public Health Wales Behavioural Science Unit)

This session will support anyone interested in expanding the role of behavioural science within the NHS by showcasing practical applications and real-world case studies, as well as identifying areas for further growth. Through discussions and interactive elements, you will explore both the opportunities and challenges of integrating behavioural science into NHS structures, gaining insights into how to strengthen its impact on health outcomes in the current system.

Developing behavioural and social science capability – Dr. Nicky Knowles (Public Health Wales); Dr. Paul Chadwick; Dr. Liz Gilbert

Combining presentations from behavioural and social scientists who have engaged in capacity building programmes with structured small group discussions, this session will explore different models of capability and capacity building, identifying what works, the challenges and potential solutions. Whether you are planning or already delivering similar activities, you will have opportunity to reflect on your own experience and develop an actionable plan for how to implement what you have learned in your own setting.

Behavioural Insight Circles: A quickfire method of solving problems through a behavioural lens – Dr. David Atkins; Dr. Angela Fletton (Suffolk County Council)

This highly interactive workshop introduces a short, quickfire, yet powerful method of solving problems through a behavioural lens. This tool can help people move from problem to solution within an hour – an ideal activity to use in a busy working environment. In this workshop you will experience the steps within a BIC so you can take the method away and try for yourself.

Gamifying the training of behavioural science – Jonathan Baker (Hampshire County Council)

Find out how you can use games to train people in behavioural science. In this highly interactive workshop, two games will be displayed – a COM-B Whodunnit, and an escape room style game using behavioural science, with one played for you to join in with. If you are interested in gamification, want a novel take on upskilling in behavioural science, or just love playing games then this is the workshop for you.

How can I attend?

Tickets are available now at the Early Bird rate until Friday 31st January 2025.

Click here to head to Eventbrite to secure your place now

• Early bird Student: £99 (goes up to £139)
• Early bird Public: £199 (goes up to £229)
• Early bird Private: £249 (goes up to £299)

Bursary

Bursary applications are now closed

We have two bursaries available to cover event registration and travel costs (excluding accommodation). Successful applicants will be required to attend the event and provide an event write-up for the BPSHN publication.

If you wish to apply for a bursary, please tell us why you should be awarded the bursary (maximum 500 words) at events@bsphn.org.uk

If your application is unsuccessful, you can still get a ticket at the early bird rate.

Abstracts: Calls for oral and poster presentations!

Abstract submissions are now closed

Share how you’ve been using behavioural science to address health challenges and create healthy outcomes, in the context of change.

We welcome abstracts that address any of the following sub-themes from private and public practitioners, commissioners, students and academics, including work that is still in progress:

• The Changing World – We’re experiencing unprecedented change in climate, technology, and social changes such as the cost-of-living crisis. How can we use behavioural science to help us to navigate and strive to reduce inequalities?
• The Changing Population – Changes such as an ageing population create new challenges for public health. How can behavioural science help to understand the population changes and how we intervene to manage challenges?
• Advances in Behavioural Science - Behavioural science itself is constantly shifting. As new opportunities arise, the discipline is evolving. How is behavioural science evolving to widen its application and reach new audiences?

Oral presentations – 15 minutes (10 minutes presentation, 5 minutes Q&A).

Poster presentations – Accepted posters will be showcased during the conference and will be available online on the BSPHN website after the event. Submit an outline of the project, in no more than 350 words, using the following headings (as appropriate):

1. Aim(s)
2. Methods / Implementation
3. Results / Impact / Learning
4. Conclusions / Implications for practice

Check out this blog on Top Tips for Writing an Abstract for further guidance.

To make your submission or if you have any inquiries relating to the submission or the conference, please email events@bsphn.org.uk

Key submission dates

• Sunday 12th January 2025 – Abstract submissions are now closed
• Monday 3rd February 2025 – Notification of submission outcomes

Travel

The conference is located at the John Lennon Art & Design Building, Liverpool John Moores University. It is a 15-minute walk from Liverpool Lime Street train station, 10 minutes from Liverpool One bus station and a short distance from the city centre.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included in the ticket price; you may wish to check accommodation platforms such as booking.com to compare local availability and cost.

Book now

Secure your place at this event – get tickets on Eventbrite now

Contact us

If you have any queries regarding the conference, please email us at events@bsphn.org.uk