Prof Gemma Briggs

Professional biography

Qualifications

DPhil in Applied Cognitive psychology (University of Sussex)
BA (Hons) in Applied Psychology (University of Susssex)

Professional affiliations

British Psychological Society (BPS)
Society of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition (SARMAC)

Senior Fellow of the HEA (2017)

I joined the OU in 2007, after completing my PhD at the University of Sussex.

Research interests

I am an applied cognitive psychologist and my research interests revolve around the practical applications of psychological theory. I am particularly interested in how attention and perception can be affected when dual tasking (for example whilst driving a car and talking on the phone) as well as the effect this has on an individual’s eye movements. My work also crosses into forensic psychology as I’m interested in perceptual factors when witnessing crimes, with a particular focus on eye movements, weapon focus, inattention- and change blindness.

I am a member of the Harm and Evidence Research Collaborative (HERC) and part of the centre's Forensic Cognition Research Group. 

Teaching interests

Having co-chaired production at undergraduate (DE200) and Postgraduate (DD802) level, most recently I have been a production team member on a new level 1 module (D120) and am now working on production of our new level 2 optional module (D250). I was a Head of Discipline in the School between 2020-2024.

Since joining the University I have also been involved in production on the following modules: Investigating Forensic psychology (DD802) - co chair, Evaluating Psychology (DD803), Investigating psychology 2 (DE200) - co chair, Forensic psychology: crime, offenders and policing (D872), Forensic psychology: witnesses, experts and evidence on trial (D873), Applying psychology (DSE232). I have also worked on presentation in the following modules: Investigating Psychology 2 (DE200) - co chair Cognitive psychology (DD303) - ALE Chair Exploring psychology (DSE212), Exploring psychology: online project (DZX222), Research methods dissertation in social sciences (D845).

And have been Qualification Lead for:

MSc in Forensic Psychological Studies (F73), MSc in Psychology (F74), BSc Forensic Psychology (Q82), MSc in Forensic Psychology and Criminology (F49), Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Psychological Studies (E34).

Impact and engagement

I have been extensively involved in a range of impact, knowledge exchange and public engagement activities, including (most recently):

• Academic expert and contributor to a short film for BBC’s Morning Live programme on distracted driving research. https://connect.open.ac.uk/society-psychology-and-criminology/morning-live
• Providing expert evidence to the Transport Select Committee resulting in a report leading to policy change.
• Acting as an expert witness in court
• Leading on a 4* rated impact case study for REF 2021
• Producing interactive educational tools, based on our research, for Open Learn: 'Are you a focused driver?' and 'The Mobile Office Challenge'
• Academic consultant on BBC Ideas film 'Can you really multitask? finally and answer'
• Contributing evidence-based resources for the National Police Chief's Council mobile phone enforcement campaign (2020/2021/2024)
• Pieces written for The Conversation: ‘Think you’re better at driving than most? How psychological biases are keeping our roads unsafe’ 'In-car technology: are we being sold a false sense of security?' ; '5 vital things you can't do properly when you're on your phone' and 'Car firms are still pushing hands free tech - despite how dangerous it is' and 'Drivers and hand-held mobile phones: extending the ban won't solve the problem - here's why'
• Winning an ESRC O²RB Excellence in Impact Award (2021).    

I have been an invited speaker for various road safety charities, including Brake, RoSPA and Road Safety Wales. I have given extensive knowledge exchange talks to policy makers, industry leaders and practitioners, and have acted as a consultant for government run road safety organisations. I work closely with policing partners and members of industry to inform education and strategy around distracted driving and have been interviewed on radio and television numerous times.