Dr Julia Shaw

Criminal Psychology Researcher, Bestselling Author, BBC Science Contributor & Co-Founder of Spot

Dr Julia Shaw’s Biography:

Dr Julia Shaw is a psychological scientist, author and broadcaster known internationally for her expertise in criminal psychology, memory science and the social psychology of identity. She is widely recognised for bringing complex scientific ideas to mainstream audiences through her books, podcasts and television work. As a co-host of the BBC2 true-crime series The Misinvestigations of Romesh Ranganathan and a TEDx speaker, Julia has earned a reputation for delivering sharp, thought-provoking commentary that bridges rigorous science with cultural relevance.

Julia began her academic career in Canada, lecturing at the University of Waterloo in 2008 before moving to the University of British Columbia in 2009. She later relocated to the United Kingdom, becoming a lecturer in forensic psychology at the University of Bedfordshire in 2013 and a senior lecturer at London South Bank University in 2015. In 2017, she joined University College London as a research associate, contributing to leading research on memory, cognition and criminal justice. Her academic foundation has shaped her career as both a scientist and a public communicator, grounding her work in evidence-based inquiry.

Her published work includes three widely acclaimed books: The Memory Illusion, exploring the science of false memories; Making Evil, examining the psychology behind harmful behaviour; and Bi, a major contribution to the cultural and scientific understanding of bisexuality. She has also served as a columnist for BBC Science Focus Magazine and produced multiple BBC Radio 4 series, including Experts on Trial and The Human Subject, both released in 2024.

Beyond academia and publishing, Julia is co-founder of Spot, an AI-driven tool designed to improve workplace reporting of harassment and discrimination. Her work continues to influence discussions on justice, identity, ethics and human behaviour, marking her as one of the most distinctive scientific voices in contemporary media.

Why Hire Dr Julia Shaw?

Dr Julia Shaw is an exceptional keynote speaker who combines scientific authority with dynamic, highly engaging communication. She specialises in making complex topics such as criminal psychology, memory, identity and ethical technology accessible and compelling for any audience. With experience across television, radio, writing and TEDx stages with her talk “How to Support Witnesses of Harassment and Build Healthier Workplaces“, she brings clarity, humour and intellectual depth to every event. Julia speaks with openness about LGBTQ+ identity, scientific responsibility and the human mind, offering audiences fresh perspectives rooted in research. Her talks are insightful, impactful and ideally suited to organisations seeking evidence-based understanding of human behaviour.

Dr Julia Shaw’s Career Highlights:

Below showcases Dr Julia Shaw’s inspirational career throughout psychology, neuroscience and more:

• 2025 – Published her new book Green Crime: Inside the Minds of the People Destroying the Planet, and How to Stop Them.
• 2024 – Released Experts on Trial on BBC Radio 4, examining how specialist knowledge is used and misused in courtrooms.
• 2024 – Released The Human Subject on BBC Radio 4, exploring what it means to be human through psychology and lived experience.
• 2022 – Published Bi: The Hidden Culture, History and Science of Bisexuality, a groundbreaking study of bisexual identity across societies.
• 2022 – Became a columnist for BBC Science Focus Magazine, writing accessible pieces on psychology, behaviour and technology.
• 2019 – Published Making Evil: The Science Behind Humanity’s Dark Side, analysing the psychological roots of harmful actions.
• 2017 – Appointed Research Associate at University College London, contributing to advanced research on memory and cognition.
• 2017 – Co-founded Spot, an AI-driven platform designed to improve workplace reporting of harassment and misconduct.
• 2016 – Published The Memory Illusion, revealing how easily our memories can be distorted or manipulated.
• 2015 – Became Senior Lecturer at London South Bank University, teaching forensic psychology to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• 2013 – Lecturer in Forensic Psychology at the University of Bedfordshire, expanding her academic work in criminology and behaviour.
• 2009 – Lecturer at the University of British Columbia, developing expertise in cognitive and forensic psychology.
• 2008 – Lecturer at the University of Waterloo, beginning her formal academic teaching career in psychology.