Reader in Social Psychology and Security Studies

Theme 1 - Preparedness

King's College London

Dr Pearce is a Reader in Social Psychology and Security Studies in the Department of War Studies at King’s College London. She is also the Associate Dean (Impact & Innovation) in the Faculty of Social Science and Public Policy and Director for Students and Culture in the Department of War Studies.

Her research uses social psychological theories of risk perception and health behaviour to examine the impact of risk and crisis communication on risk perception and behaviours, with a focus on extreme events such as terrorism and pandemics. She is particularly interested in understanding the likely reactions, needs and appropriate communication strategies for groups who may be particularly placed at risk during an emergency.

As a consequence of her research on the impact of risk and crisis communication on risk perception and health behaviours, she has been invited to join a number of advisory boards including the Cabinet Office National Risk Assessment Behavioural Science Expert Group (as Deputy Chair) and the Public Health England ERDG Psychosocial and Behavioural Issues Sub-group.