Robert West
@robertjwest.bsky.social
Based at UCL. Researching tobacco use, human motivation and application of AI to behavioural science. Co-founder of Behaviour Change Wheel and COM-B model.
You may be interested in this preprint that Sarah Jackson, Linda Ng Fat and I have just published on improved mental wellbeing following health-behaviour changes. If you have any comments or suggestions please let us know. www.qeios.com/read/NY0ZS1
Benefits to Mental Wellbeing from Making Positive Changes in Health-Related Behaviours: An Ultra-Rapid Review
BACKGROUND AND AIMS. Changes in health-related behaviours that have a longer-term impact on physical health have also been found in many studies to lead to relatively rapid improvements in mental well...
www.qeios.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:00 AM
You may be interested in this preprint that Sarah Jackson, Linda Ng Fat and I have just published on improved mental wellbeing following health-behaviour changes. If you have any comments or suggestions please let us know. www.qeios.com/read/NY0ZS1
Reposted by Robert West
📢 Submissions are open for the 2026 Behaviour Change Conference!
A fantastic opportunity to share your work & connect with delegates worldwide - all working toward a healthier, sustainable world 🌍
🗓 Deadline: 15 Dec 2025
👉 ucl.ac.uk/behaviour-change/conference
#BCConf2026 @be-change.bsky.social
A fantastic opportunity to share your work & connect with delegates worldwide - all working toward a healthier, sustainable world 🌍
🗓 Deadline: 15 Dec 2025
👉 ucl.ac.uk/behaviour-change/conference
#BCConf2026 @be-change.bsky.social
November 4, 2025 at 5:11 PM
📢 Submissions are open for the 2026 Behaviour Change Conference!
A fantastic opportunity to share your work & connect with delegates worldwide - all working toward a healthier, sustainable world 🌍
🗓 Deadline: 15 Dec 2025
👉 ucl.ac.uk/behaviour-change/conference
#BCConf2026 @be-change.bsky.social
A fantastic opportunity to share your work & connect with delegates worldwide - all working toward a healthier, sustainable world 🌍
🗓 Deadline: 15 Dec 2025
👉 ucl.ac.uk/behaviour-change/conference
#BCConf2026 @be-change.bsky.social
This will be a big one! www.linkedin.com/pulse/regist...
Registration for the Building Capability in Behavioural Research Conference 2026 Opens Today!
We are delighted to announce the Building Capability in Behavioural Research 2026 Conference will take place in the Teaching and Learning Building at the University of Birmingham. In partnership with ...
www.linkedin.com
October 27, 2025 at 6:01 PM
This will be a big one! www.linkedin.com/pulse/regist...
A flat white by any other name …
open.substack.com/pub/robertwe...
open.substack.com/pub/robertwe...
A flat white by any other name …
Why we need an ontology of milk-containing coffee drinks and other things ...
open.substack.com
October 22, 2025 at 8:40 AM
A flat white by any other name …
open.substack.com/pub/robertwe...
open.substack.com/pub/robertwe...
I've just heard what may be the funniest line ever in a detective story. It's in the brilliant Anthony Horowitz' novel 'Close to Death' whose audiobook is brightening up my gym experience. It is 'There was so much blood, even the police dog threw up.'
October 22, 2025 at 8:29 AM
I've just heard what may be the funniest line ever in a detective story. It's in the brilliant Anthony Horowitz' novel 'Close to Death' whose audiobook is brightening up my gym experience. It is 'There was so much blood, even the police dog threw up.'
Reposted by Robert West
Bigly recommend listening to the Unlocking Behaviour Change 'cast from #JamieWest (not sure of his blewski handle) and @robertjwest.bsky.social.
Lots of info and insight, entertainingly and efficiently conveyed.
#ChickenSexing
youtu.be/J0y2Bo4glfk?...
Lots of info and insight, entertainingly and efficiently conveyed.
#ChickenSexing
youtu.be/J0y2Bo4glfk?...
Unlocking Behaviour Change Podcast Episode 20: Notice the difference!
YouTube video by Unlocking Behaviour Change
youtu.be
October 7, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Bigly recommend listening to the Unlocking Behaviour Change 'cast from #JamieWest (not sure of his blewski handle) and @robertjwest.bsky.social.
Lots of info and insight, entertainingly and efficiently conveyed.
#ChickenSexing
youtu.be/J0y2Bo4glfk?...
Lots of info and insight, entertainingly and efficiently conveyed.
#ChickenSexing
youtu.be/J0y2Bo4glfk?...
Reposted by Robert West
Robert West explaining the use of ontologies to support research on #nicotine and #tobacco use at the SRNT-E conference addictovocab.org @robertjwest.bsky.social
September 11, 2025 at 7:21 AM
Robert West explaining the use of ontologies to support research on #nicotine and #tobacco use at the SRNT-E conference addictovocab.org @robertjwest.bsky.social
Reposted by Robert West
#BehaviouralScience is not always about nudging. The authors @susanmichie.bsky.social @robertjwest.bsky.social argue "tackling the challenges facing humanity requires a collective, capacity-building approach" that boosts competences, opportunities, & motivations for individuals to act together.
Moving from nudging to boosting: empowering behaviour change to address global challenges | Behavioural Public Policy | Cambridge Core
Moving from nudging to boosting: empowering behaviour change to address global challenges
www.cambridge.org
August 3, 2025 at 8:55 PM
#BehaviouralScience is not always about nudging. The authors @susanmichie.bsky.social @robertjwest.bsky.social argue "tackling the challenges facing humanity requires a collective, capacity-building approach" that boosts competences, opportunities, & motivations for individuals to act together.
Reposted by Robert West
👥📚 And are you interested in applying AI to your own behavioural research? Join our drop-in advice sessions with our AI webinar speakers @jannahastings.bsky.social , @robertjwest.bsky.social, and @susanmichie.bsky.social Michie beginning in September.
Sign up to a session today!
Sign up to a session today!
Section 4: BR-UK AI Help Desk | Behavioural Research UK (BR-UK) | Usher Institute
A soon-to-come initiative of bi-monthly online advice sessions supporting researchers in navigating this fast-evolving space.
usher.ed.ac.uk
August 5, 2025 at 12:26 PM
👥📚 And are you interested in applying AI to your own behavioural research? Join our drop-in advice sessions with our AI webinar speakers @jannahastings.bsky.social , @robertjwest.bsky.social, and @susanmichie.bsky.social Michie beginning in September.
Sign up to a session today!
Sign up to a session today!
Reposted by Robert West
Our new paper provides up-to-date evidence on cigarette consumption across Great Britain.
🟡~28.6 billion cigarettes are smoked each year.
🟡There are persistent disparities across socioeconomic groups, regions, and nations.
academic.oup.com/ntr/advance-... @ntrjournal.bsky.social
🟡~28.6 billion cigarettes are smoked each year.
🟡There are persistent disparities across socioeconomic groups, regions, and nations.
academic.oup.com/ntr/advance-... @ntrjournal.bsky.social
July 18, 2025 at 10:12 AM
Our new paper provides up-to-date evidence on cigarette consumption across Great Britain.
🟡~28.6 billion cigarettes are smoked each year.
🟡There are persistent disparities across socioeconomic groups, regions, and nations.
academic.oup.com/ntr/advance-... @ntrjournal.bsky.social
🟡~28.6 billion cigarettes are smoked each year.
🟡There are persistent disparities across socioeconomic groups, regions, and nations.
academic.oup.com/ntr/advance-... @ntrjournal.bsky.social
Just released a new episode of the Unlocking Behaviour Change podcast. This series is tackling decision-making and this episode is all about the importance of the way that decisions are 'framed' (e.g., Shall I do X or not? which of X, Y or Z shall I choose?) www.podbean.com/ep/pb-rdhpx-...
Understanding decision ‘framing’: asking the right question
Where’s the best place to go on holiday? What should I do with my life? Why is the way we frame decisions so vital? In this episode, we continue unpacking the FACET framework, focusing on F: Frame. We...
www.podbean.com
June 24, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Just released a new episode of the Unlocking Behaviour Change podcast. This series is tackling decision-making and this episode is all about the importance of the way that decisions are 'framed' (e.g., Shall I do X or not? which of X, Y or Z shall I choose?) www.podbean.com/ep/pb-rdhpx-...
I've just launched the latest episode in the Unlocking Behaviour Change podcast series, and it is the very first public airing of a new general framework for understanding and analysing real-world decisions - called FACET. So do check it out and leave comments. www.podbean.com/ep/pb-tgudh-...
Introducing FACET: A framework for understanding and analysing real-world decision-making
This episode introduces a new framework for understanding and analysing decision-making. It is the first public airing of this framework - so quite a big deal!!
FACET stands for Frame (the way we appr...
www.podbean.com
June 17, 2025 at 11:25 AM
I've just launched the latest episode in the Unlocking Behaviour Change podcast series, and it is the very first public airing of a new general framework for understanding and analysing real-world decisions - called FACET. So do check it out and leave comments. www.podbean.com/ep/pb-tgudh-...
The Human Behaviour Change Project 'Prediction Tool' has just had a revamp. It uses interpretable machine learning applied to rich ontologised data extracted from ~500 RCTs to predict smoking cessation outcomes in novel scenarios. Here's a link to a video about the tool youtu.be/fUvfXmeZhnM
Instructions on how to use the HBCP Prediction Tool
YouTube video by Human Behaviour Change Project
youtu.be
June 15, 2025 at 2:24 PM
The Human Behaviour Change Project 'Prediction Tool' has just had a revamp. It uses interpretable machine learning applied to rich ontologised data extracted from ~500 RCTs to predict smoking cessation outcomes in novel scenarios. Here's a link to a video about the tool youtu.be/fUvfXmeZhnM
Reposted by Robert West
Can't wait for the launch of APRICOT? 🍑
We got you covered: Here, Robert West is introducing himself and giving you a small peak into what he will be speaking about at the launch.
Don't forget to register:
🗓️ 17 June 2025
⏰ 3:30 PM (UK Time)
🎥 Online
👉 Register now: ucl.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
We got you covered: Here, Robert West is introducing himself and giving you a small peak into what he will be speaking about at the launch.
Don't forget to register:
🗓️ 17 June 2025
⏰ 3:30 PM (UK Time)
🎥 Online
👉 Register now: ucl.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
June 11, 2025 at 9:07 AM
Can't wait for the launch of APRICOT? 🍑
We got you covered: Here, Robert West is introducing himself and giving you a small peak into what he will be speaking about at the launch.
Don't forget to register:
🗓️ 17 June 2025
⏰ 3:30 PM (UK Time)
🎥 Online
👉 Register now: ucl.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
We got you covered: Here, Robert West is introducing himself and giving you a small peak into what he will be speaking about at the launch.
Don't forget to register:
🗓️ 17 June 2025
⏰ 3:30 PM (UK Time)
🎥 Online
👉 Register now: ucl.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Just posted the 3rd podcast in the Unlocking Behaviour Change series. This first series of podcasts is being done while Jamie West and I finalise our new book on decision making, so comments are very welcome ... here's a link to the podcast www.podbean.com/ep/pb-yavwn-...
Hot and cool decisions & much more!
What are hot and cold decisions? How important is it to appreciate when decisions are reversible? In an uncertain world, sometimes we have to get on and make a decision and then make it work. Join Rob...
www.podbean.com
June 10, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Just posted the 3rd podcast in the Unlocking Behaviour Change series. This first series of podcasts is being done while Jamie West and I finalise our new book on decision making, so comments are very welcome ... here's a link to the podcast www.podbean.com/ep/pb-yavwn-...
Reposted by Robert West
🧠 Bonus for early birds!
Register early for the BCTO training and get first access to a free workshop with Prof @robertjwest.bsky.social on the CACTISS Tool - a practical, step-by-step method to identify aspects of capability, opportunity & motivation to target - and how to use it to select BCTs.
Register early for the BCTO training and get first access to a free workshop with Prof @robertjwest.bsky.social on the CACTISS Tool - a practical, step-by-step method to identify aspects of capability, opportunity & motivation to target - and how to use it to select BCTs.
June 3, 2025 at 2:15 PM
🧠 Bonus for early birds!
Register early for the BCTO training and get first access to a free workshop with Prof @robertjwest.bsky.social on the CACTISS Tool - a practical, step-by-step method to identify aspects of capability, opportunity & motivation to target - and how to use it to select BCTs.
Register early for the BCTO training and get first access to a free workshop with Prof @robertjwest.bsky.social on the CACTISS Tool - a practical, step-by-step method to identify aspects of capability, opportunity & motivation to target - and how to use it to select BCTs.
Reposted by Robert West
We also have the last few places remaining on our Principles & Practice of Systems Mapping course on 3 July!
🔗https://www.ucl.ac.uk/behaviour-change/advanced-modules-behaviour-change
@viviantonop.bsky.social @robertjwest.bsky.social
🔗https://www.ucl.ac.uk/behaviour-change/advanced-modules-behaviour-change
@viviantonop.bsky.social @robertjwest.bsky.social
June 3, 2025 at 2:15 PM
We also have the last few places remaining on our Principles & Practice of Systems Mapping course on 3 July!
🔗https://www.ucl.ac.uk/behaviour-change/advanced-modules-behaviour-change
@viviantonop.bsky.social @robertjwest.bsky.social
🔗https://www.ucl.ac.uk/behaviour-change/advanced-modules-behaviour-change
@viviantonop.bsky.social @robertjwest.bsky.social
Reposted by Robert West
Looking for other advanced training? On 1 July join Prof @robertjwest.bsky.social for an in-depth guide to decision-making and motivation, with plenty of time for discussion and interactivity.
🔗https://www.ucl.ac.uk/behaviour-change/advanced-modules-behaviour-change
🔗https://www.ucl.ac.uk/behaviour-change/advanced-modules-behaviour-change
June 3, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Looking for other advanced training? On 1 July join Prof @robertjwest.bsky.social for an in-depth guide to decision-making and motivation, with plenty of time for discussion and interactivity.
🔗https://www.ucl.ac.uk/behaviour-change/advanced-modules-behaviour-change
🔗https://www.ucl.ac.uk/behaviour-change/advanced-modules-behaviour-change
Reposted by Robert West
A reply to a reply.
Ralph Hertwig @susanmichie.bsky.social @robertjwest.bsky.social & Stephen Reicher respond to a commentary from Luc Bovens on their BPP paper.
doi.org/10.1017/bpp....
Ralph Hertwig @susanmichie.bsky.social @robertjwest.bsky.social & Stephen Reicher respond to a commentary from Luc Bovens on their BPP paper.
doi.org/10.1017/bpp....
April 23, 2025 at 8:57 AM
A reply to a reply.
Ralph Hertwig @susanmichie.bsky.social @robertjwest.bsky.social & Stephen Reicher respond to a commentary from Luc Bovens on their BPP paper.
doi.org/10.1017/bpp....
Ralph Hertwig @susanmichie.bsky.social @robertjwest.bsky.social & Stephen Reicher respond to a commentary from Luc Bovens on their BPP paper.
doi.org/10.1017/bpp....
Reposted by Robert West
🚨 New article on 'Moving from nudging to boosting: empowering behaviour change to address global challenges' by Ralph Hertwig, @susanmichie.bsky.social, @robertjwest.bsky.social & Stephen Reicher.
🔗You can read it here: www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
🔗You can read it here: www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
April 23, 2025 at 2:30 PM
🚨 New article on 'Moving from nudging to boosting: empowering behaviour change to address global challenges' by Ralph Hertwig, @susanmichie.bsky.social, @robertjwest.bsky.social & Stephen Reicher.
🔗You can read it here: www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
🔗You can read it here: www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
Here is a short video about Long COVID - something we all need to be aware of as it is devasting people's lives and is a very good reason why we should normalise perfectly reasonable precautions against airborne viruses. youtu.be/mqIxyammvXE?...
LONG COVID 'HIJACK' DAY 2024
YouTube video by Grant Wakefield
youtu.be
March 15, 2025 at 8:21 AM
Here is a short video about Long COVID - something we all need to be aware of as it is devasting people's lives and is a very good reason why we should normalise perfectly reasonable precautions against airborne viruses. youtu.be/mqIxyammvXE?...
Reposted by Robert West
New Addiction Audio: Communicating public health research with @drsarahejackson.bsky.social, Martin Jarvis and @robertjwest.bsky.social. Elle Wadsworth talks to 3 generations of tobacco/nicotine researchers about their recent editorial ‘The price of a cigarette: 20 minutes of life?’
Communicating public health research with Sarah Jackson, Martin Jarvis and Robert West | Addiction Audio
The podcast from the journal Addiction
buff.ly
March 7, 2025 at 10:15 AM
New Addiction Audio: Communicating public health research with @drsarahejackson.bsky.social, Martin Jarvis and @robertjwest.bsky.social. Elle Wadsworth talks to 3 generations of tobacco/nicotine researchers about their recent editorial ‘The price of a cigarette: 20 minutes of life?’
Finally, we have a published version of the paper describing the ontology for capturing information about recipients of interventions. It's out for peer review but open to comments from all interested parties so do have a look and stress test it! wellcomeopenresearch.org/articles/10-...
wellcomeopenresearch.org
March 5, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Finally, we have a published version of the paper describing the ontology for capturing information about recipients of interventions. It's out for peer review but open to comments from all interested parties so do have a look and stress test it! wellcomeopenresearch.org/articles/10-...
We're going to be focusing on using ML to predict intervention outcomes - something that we don't do enough but should be core business for behavioural scientists.
We are a week away from the second webinar in our AI in behavioural research series, focusing on Analytical AI, covering its use in classifying knowledge, reasoning, and making predictions from data.
📅 11:30am, 12 March 2025.
Sign up below: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
📅 11:30am, 12 March 2025.
Sign up below: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
March 5, 2025 at 4:53 PM
We're going to be focusing on using ML to predict intervention outcomes - something that we don't do enough but should be core business for behavioural scientists.
Reposted by Robert West
We are a week away from the second webinar in our AI in behavioural research series, focusing on Analytical AI, covering its use in classifying knowledge, reasoning, and making predictions from data.
📅 11:30am, 12 March 2025.
Sign up below: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
📅 11:30am, 12 March 2025.
Sign up below: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
March 5, 2025 at 9:36 AM
We are a week away from the second webinar in our AI in behavioural research series, focusing on Analytical AI, covering its use in classifying knowledge, reasoning, and making predictions from data.
📅 11:30am, 12 March 2025.
Sign up below: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
📅 11:30am, 12 March 2025.
Sign up below: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...