Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42721128›Full record

ArticlePloS one2026

Developing the UK's capability in behavioural research: Identifying strengths, challenges and strategies through cross-sector workshops.

Guanyu Yang, Katherine R K Saunders, Niamh Hart, Joanna Davan Wetton, Nia Coupe, Isabelle Olson, Lucy Porter, Sharon Cox, Jo Hart, Susan Michie

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in PloS one, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Guanyu YangCentre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, United Kingdom.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9327-6473
Katherine R K SaundersCentre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
Niamh HartUsher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Joanna Davan WettonCentre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
Nia CoupeDivision of Medical Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.
Isabelle OlsonCentre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
Lucy PorterCentre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, United Kingdom.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8277-4138
Sharon CoxDepartment of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
Jo HartDivision of Medical Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.
Susan MichieCentre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, United Kingdom.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Behavioural research shapes policy across multiple sectors; building strong capability for researchers and research users is essential to maximise its impact. This study aimed to identify strengths, barriers, and opportunities for improvement among those conducting or using behavioural research across UK sectors. We conducted five qualitative workshops, with 58 participants from academia, government, public and third sectors, and the private sector. Using framework analysis, growing visibility and successful embedding of behavioural research in some organisations were identified as key strengths. However, barriers included public misconceptions, limited funding and capacity, difficulties in research translation, siloed working, inconsistent training provision, and insufficient leadership support. Participants proposed actionable strategies, including making behavioural research more accessible, reforming funding structures, and enhancing cross-sector collaboration and training. Our findings highlight the need for sustained investment and stronger collaboration to better align behavioural research with public and policy priorities, address sector-specific challenges, and build on existing strengths.

Indexed as

Behavioral ResearchAcademiaHumansPrivate SectorPublic SectorUnited Kingdom

Identifiers

PMID42721128
PMCPMC13561315

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.