The best in psychology writing honoured

This year's British Psychological Society Book Awards have honoured some leading researchers and authors across fascinating areas of study.

Professor Chris Chambers (Cardiff University) won in the Academic Monograph category with his book The Seven Deadly Sins of Psychology: A Manifesto for Reforming the Culture of Scientific Practice (see our website for an extract). An open science advocate, Chambers outlines the powerful biases at the heart of science that can skew research and results. Chambers said he was deeply grateful, and still slightly surprised, at the positive published reviews the book had received, but the most satisfying reaction came from comments from early-career researchers. 'Since the book came out last year, I've had a steady stream of interactions with young scientists who found the book useful to them in one way or another… every one of these messages is a salient reminder that it is the young scientists of today who will lead the psychology of tomorrow. The onus is on us as senior academics to get the field into shape for them.'

Forensic Psychology: Theory, Research, Policy, Practice by Professor Jennifer Brown (London School of Economics), Yvonne Shell and Dr Terri Cole (Bournemouth University) won in this year's Textbook category. Shell, Director of Criminal Justice at Together for Mental Wellbeing and a Senior Clinical Teaching Fellow (Portsmouth University) has known and worked with Brown for around 20 years, while Cole was formerly a PhD student with Brown. Shell said they hoped with the book to give future forensic psychologists a real taste for work in the field. Brown said reviews had been very positive: 'The comments from students have been really encouraging; they particularly liked the setting-out of the political climate, the reflective exercises and the commentaries from colleagues about the realities of life as a forensic psychologist.'

The Influential Mind: What the Brain Reveals about our Power to Change Others by Dr Tali Sharot won in the Popular Science category – her second BPS book award. Her book explores everyday influencing among humans and where we fall down when trying to change the beliefs and behaviours of others. She said: 'My work is interdisciplinary so I was especially delighted to see the book being selected among best book of the year in fields ranging from politics to neuroscience to business to marketing and being translated to multiple languages. It is an honour to receive the British Psychology Society Book Award.'