Forensic Psychology Unit director’s career recognised with European award

Goldsmiths, University of London’s Professor Fiona Gabbert has been named this year’s winner of the European Association of Psychology and Law’s prize for mid-career achievement.

Professor Gabbert (Department of Psychology) is Director of the Forensic Psychology Unit at Goldsmiths and an expert in the strengths and weaknesses of human memory.

Her work in the areas of eyewitness testimony, investigative interviewing and suggestibility have helped influence and shape modern criminal investigations.

Professor Gabbert has developed innovative ways to improve the usability, credibility, and reliability of evidence from eyewitnesses, work that has had an important impact on police operational procedure and policy in the UK and internationally.

Her award was announced at the EAPL’s 26th annual conference, held this July in Toulouse, France and attended by researchers and practitioners working at the intersection of psychology and the law.

In thanking the Association, Professor Gabbert said: “The EAPL midcareer award is both wholly unexpected and wholly appreciated. It will of course be rightly shared with my collaborators, and I would like to thank them too.

“I'm passionate about my research, and work hard to bridge the gap between lab-based research and real police practice; it can be difficult and frustrating at times, but the changes we've influenced, coupled with receiving this award, definitely makes it worthwhile! I look forward to playing my part in progressing this field of research in the future.”

Visit Fiona’s Goldsmiths profile for more information on her research

Find out more about the Forensic Psychology Unit at Goldsmiths