Prof. E.K. Papies (Esther)

I am an expert in behaviour change in the domains of health and climate change. I combine psychology with system and behaviour change for a better future within planetary boundaries.

My research team examines the social and psychological processes in the transition to a healthier, more sustainable and more equitable society. I have published extensively on what motivates eating and drinking behaviour, the motivations and barriers for reducing meat and dairy intake, the motivation for climate action among privileged individuals, emotional experiences with climate change, and other topics related to behaviour change and sustainability.

I received my PhD in 2008 from Utrecht University, where I then worked as an Assistant and Associate professor until 2015. After 9 years at the University of Glasgow, I joined Radboud University as a Full Professor in 2024. My work has been funded by the NWO, Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), The Carnegie Trust, and the Wellcome Trust.

I supervise various PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, and I teach the Psychology of Behaviour Change (MSc) and The Psychology of Climate Change (BA).

I regularly give Masterclasses and talks to non-academic audiences on the climate crisis, and on individual and organisational processes of behaviour change.

You can watch my lecture on "Psychology for a better future" here (in Dutch)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3m1veIusXw.