Dr Sarah Knight OBE 1966-2024

Dr Sarah Knight OBE, Senior Principal Psychologist and Fellow of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Chartered Member and Fellow of the British Psychological Society, Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Portsmouth, and Principal Member of the Register of Security Engineers and Specialists, tragically passed away on 10 February 2024 after a short illness.

This short obituary attempts to capture Sarah's gentle and inspirational personality as well as her impressive career and unwavering dedication to making the world a better place. 

Sarah graduated from the University of Portsmouth in 1997 with a first-class honours degree in Psychology, laying the foundation for her exceptional journey in the field. She later went on to achieve the pinnacle of academic achievement with the completion of her doctoral studies, presenting a thesis titled: 'The basis and nature of attitudes toward animal use: a psychological approach'. 

Driven by her deep care for animal welfare, Sarah was not only a respected psychologist but also a horse rider, dog lover, and nature enthusiast. Her passion is beautifully encapsulated in several of her publications including her article "All Creatures Great and Small: New Perspectives on Psychology and Human–Animal Interactions".

During Sarah's academic career at the University of Portsmouth she was involved in a variety of research studies including, interviewing techniques (with children and vulnerable adults), lie detection and how technology could be used to persuade and inform audiences. Sarah continued her commitment to the University through her Visiting Research Fellow position. 

In 2009, Sarah joined the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), bringing her wealth of knowledge to the Behavioural Science Team. Sarah provided technical expertise, leadership, and mentorship to countless individuals, leaving an indelible mark on the government's psychological research portfolios and Security Social Science capabilities. 

One of Sarah's many strengths was her ability to apply behavioural science to complex challenges in Defence and Security. From improving vaccine uptake in military personnel to addressing radicalization and extremism, as well as commencing research on climate change and the security nexus, her work was diverse, impactful, and spoke to the heart of societal issues. Her influence includes being the lead psychologist for the "See it, Say it, Sorted" campaign, ensuring the safety and security of the UK's rail network to this day, in addition to being the lead author of government guidance on Behavioural Detection, and being awarded an 'Excellence Award' from the NATO Human Factors and Medicine Panel for her leadership on a NATO Research Task Group on preventing and countering violent extremism. Sarah's robust research and analysis have forever altered the landscape of national and international research. 

In Sarah's own words, her proudest moment in her career was when she was awarded an OBE in the King's Birthday Honours List 2023 for her invaluable behavioural science insights, ensuring the detailed planning and safety of the funeral of the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

Beyond her impressive career, Sarah was a role model, mentor, and dear friend. Using her warmth and intelligence, she supported individuals in their personal and professional growth. Sarah leaves a legacy of brilliance, kindness, and unwavering dedication to making the world a better place, which is not only reflected in her ground-breaking research and high accolades but also in the hearts of those she touched and who miss her dearly.