Professor Michael Banissy

Professor of Psychological Science | Grand Challenge Research Lead, University of Bristol (Mental Health & Wellbeing) | Author | Behavioural Science Consultant | Speaker

Michael Banissy is an award-winning Professor of Psychological Science at the University of Bristol, where he leads the University’s Grand Challenge in Mental Health and Wellbeing research. He is an author and science communicator whose work regularly features in public events, podcasts, radio, and television.

An expert in the science of social connection and interaction, Michael has more than 100 scientific publications. His research examines how human connection shapes wellbeing, relationships, and performance. His current work includes research on empathy, emotion, communication, social perception (how we understand others), AI–human interaction, and individual differences in social behaviour. He has received awards from the British Psychological Society and the European Society of Cognitive Psychology for outstanding contributions to psychological research.

Michael is a member of the Royal Society Industry Fellows College, having previously held an Industry Fellowship to support his work with industry. His applied work spans creativity and innovation, leadership development, empathy and communication, team dynamics, behaviour change, and human–AI interaction. He has advised global companies and public bodies on building healthier, more connected, and more adaptive workplace environments.

Within higher education, Michael has held senior leadership roles at Faculty, School, and University levels (including as Head of School and Faculty Dean), and has served on University Executive Teams. In his current role as Grand Challenge Research Lead for Mental Health and Wellbeing, he leads a major cross-university initiative to improve mental health outcomes through interdisciplinary research and partnership building.

Michael is also the author of When We Touch (UK) / Touch Matters (US) and writes the Psychology Today blog The Art of Connecting with Others, where he shares insights from social neuroscience, wellbeing, and behavioural science with a global audience. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for ARA Recovery4All, a UK charity supporting individuals in addiction and mental health recovery, where he contributes his expertise in psychological science and wellbeing to support its mission.