Dr James Munro

I graduated in 2011 with a BSc (hons) in Psychology from the University of Abertay, Dundee. In 2012 I started my PhD in cognitive neuroscience at the University of Roehampton, London. My PhD studies involved an investigation into a controversial system in the brain called the mirror neuron system, using functional MRI. I subsequently carried on this work with MRI, exploring the role of anxiety in decision making, memory and other cognitive factors and neural correlates. I  graduated with my PhD in January 2017.

My training in cognitive neuroscience methods gave me a significant technical skillset which I put to use as a senior technician in Psychology for 4 years.

After my PhD I worked alongside colleagues in applying decision making literature to forensic and legal environments. I have published several papers as part of substantial body of research in this area.

Throughout my career I have also been academic advisor on major productions (e.g. BBC Bad People), published in media-outlets (e.g. The Conversation), had my research featured in major newspapers, won science communication awards (e.g. I'm a Scientist, Get Me out of Here!), engaged with international knowledge trading (e.g. Erasmus+ staff exchange) and supported the development of academic technicians (via Higher Education and Technician's Educational Development). 

Most of my ongoing research focuses on the study of individual differences and broader societal influences on rape myth acceptance, and associated decision-making in a legal context. My interests are not limited to any one particular method or perspective on this topic, but include any approach or paradigm in which biases, experience, traits or any other factor may contribute to decisions made regarding sexual violence.