Queen’s Birthday Honours

BPS members with expertise in behaviour change and learning disabilities have been named in the Queen's Birthday Honours. Professor Theresa Marteau (pictured) has been made a Dame for services to public health and Dr Melanie Bruce received the British Empire Medal for services to children and families in Norfolk.

Professor Marteau, Director of the Behaviour and Health Research Unit at the University of Cambridge, researches population and individual-level behaviour change interventions in eating behaviours, exercise, smoking and alcohol, with a focus on non-conscious processes. Marteau, also a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences and of the Academy of Social Sciences, said: 'This is a huge honour. It is wonderful to have recognition for the contribution that behavioural science can make to improving the health of the population. I am also proud to be a role model to more junior women scientists.'

Clinical psychologist Dr Bruce works with Starfish+, a specialist service for children and young people with learning disabilities in the county. Describing receiving the news about the BEM award, she said: 'It was a complete shock. When they phoned I said "I thought you were inviting me to jury service!".' Starfish+ works to avoid children being moved away from their families as a result of their behaviour and/or mental health needs. Bruce said she was 'very passionate about enabling children to live at home and have warm, loving and positive relationships with their families'. She paid tribute to the whole team, modestly adding: 'I feel a bit awkward and embarrassed about it as I know so many psychologists and other health professionals who do amazing jobs and I don't feel as if I do anything different or more to justify such an award.'  

Tracey Brown, the Director of Sense About Science, has also been awarded an OBE, for services to science. The British Psychological Society is a partner in several Sense About Science initiatives, including the Evidence Matters campaign.