Launch of the Psychology in Education Research Centre

Posted on 16 November 2012

The Department of Education celebrated the launch of the Psychology in Education Research Centre (PERC) on 14 November 2012.

PERC launch

The event was well attended by colleagues from a variety of departments within the University, and from a range of external agencies, including York and North Yorkshire Local Authorities, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), and members of the White Rose University Consortium, amongst others.

The launch opened with a warm welcome from Professor Judith Bennett, Head of Department. This was followed by an engaging introduction to the new centre by Professor Rob Klassen, Director of PERC. The five current members of PERC were introduced, and mention was made of their respective research interests. One of the key objectives of the centre in the coming months is to secure accreditation by the British Psychological Society for the new undergraduate BSc Psychology in Education course, scheduled to run from October 2013.

One of the highlights of the occasion was an inspiring and thought-provoking presentation given by the guest speaker, Professor Neil Mercer, University of Cambridge, entitled The importance of applying psychology to educational challenges.

The members of PERC are excited by the wide-ranging interest already being shown by potential collaborators and by prospective students to the University. It is our hope that PERC will go from strength to strength as a centre for excellence in applied research and teaching.