Our experts

Neil Coulson is a Professor of Health Psychology in the School of Medicine at the University of Nottingham. He is both a Chartered Psychologist (British Psychological Society) and Registered Health Psychologist (Health and Care Professions Council). His programme of research is focussed on the role of technology in supporting individuals and families affected by long-term illness, particularly online health communities. He has a particular focus on dementia. Over the past two decades, his work has demonstrated the important role online health communities can play in empowering individuals as they attempt to cope with the various challenges of long-term conditions (e.g., receiving a diagnosis, ongoing support needs etc). In particular, he has published several pioneering papers which have explored the provision of social support between community members as well as the mechanisms through which individuals may benefit from participation.

More recently, he has developed a strong interest in evidence synthesis and accrued considerable expertise in qualitative and mixed methods reviews on a range of healthcare topics. Neil convenes several modules on the MSc Health Psychology programme (accredited by the British Psychological Society). He is an experienced PhD supervisor and enjoys supporting students in terms of both method as well as theory. He has previously held several senior leadership roles within the British Psychological Society Division of Health Psychology and is the former chair of the NIHR Research for Patient Benefit East Midlands advisory committee.

View Neil’s full profile