On June 11th and 12th 2015, addiction researchers from around the UK and US travelled to LSBU to present their latest studies, share experiences and exchange ideas at a round table event hosted by the Division of Psychology and Edge Hill University. This one off event was sponsored by the Society for the Study of Addiction.
A range of researchers – who all specialise in the psychological effects of addiction – were invited to the two day event to discuss their experience of using new cutting edge research methods. These new methods have allowed researchers to gather more thorough results from their studies. The event was also an opportunity for LSBU to begin building a community of like-minded addiction researchers from around the country.
The methods discussed included the use of advanced technology, such as phone apps to record drinking and eye tracking technology to look at the effects of alcohol on perspective taking.
Researchers had the opportunity to present their current and past research at the event. Topics included the study of alcohol consumption and associated beliefs, how alcohol interacts with safe sex messages to influence cross gender interactions and the study of new drugs on the illicit market.
Dr Daniel Frings, Senior Lecturer at LSBU, said: “We are delighted to be working with the Society for the Study of Addiction and Edge Hill University to give researchers around the country to the chance to network and also share some great tips and advice. Researchers and practitioners face new questions as the addiction landscape evolves. Fortunately, we are now able to gather more ecologically valid data through the use of new technologies. So we hope by giving researchers the opportunity to network and discuss best practice will contribute to strengthening addiction research as a whole.”