Magda Osman,University of Cambridge/University of Leeds, United Kingdom
Magda Osman is a distinguished researcher in experimental psychology, currently serving as the Head of Research and Analysis at the Centre for Science and Policy, University of Cambridge. With extensive experience as a visiting professor at Leeds Business School, she combines academic expertise with impactful policy contributions. Dr. Osman’s research focuses on cognitive processes related to decision-making under uncertainty, making her an influential figure in both academic and practical domains. She has published numerous articles and books on topics such as causal reasoning, risk perception, and behavioral insights, reflecting her commitment to advancing understanding in these areas. Her leadership in various research initiatives has garnered multiple prestigious grants, allowing her to explore innovative approaches to complex decision-making scenarios. Passionate about translating research into actionable insights, Dr. Osman continues to shape the field through her dedication and scholarly contributions.
Profile:
Scopus Profile
Strengths for the Award:
- Robust Academic Background: Dr. Osman has a strong educational foundation in Experimental Psychology, supported by a PhD from Brunel University. Her academic credentials underscore her expertise and credibility in her field.
- Extensive Research Experience: With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Osman has held various influential positions at prestigious institutions. Her roles demonstrate her ability to lead and collaborate effectively across different research environments.
- Significant Funding Achievements: Dr. Osman has secured substantial grants for diverse projects, totaling millions in funding. This ability to attract resources reflects her research’s relevance and the trust placed in her by funding bodies.
- Impactful Research Themes: Her focus on decision-making under uncertainty, particularly in moral and policy contexts, addresses pressing societal issues. This research has practical implications, enhancing its impact on policy and public understanding.
- Prolific Publication Record: Dr. Osman has published numerous articles, books, and chapters, contributing significantly to the field of psychology. Her editorial roles and collaborations with other researchers further illustrate her influence in academia.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Her work often intersects with various fields, including behavioral science, ethics, and policy-making, enhancing its applicability and relevance across multiple domains.
Areas for Improvement:
- Broader Outreach and Communication: While Dr. Osman has an impressive publication record, increasing engagement with broader audiences—through popular media or public talks—could enhance the societal impact of her research.
- Mentorship and Training: Expanding her role in mentoring early-career researchers or students could foster the next generation of scholars in her field, promoting knowledge transfer and skill development.
- Focus on Replicability and Transparency: Emphasizing research practices that prioritize replicability and transparency could strengthen the validity and impact of her findings, especially in a time when reproducibility is crucial in scientific research.
Education:
Dr. Magda Osman obtained her BSc (Hons) in Experimental Psychology from the University of Sussex, followed by an MPhil from the University of Cambridge. She then completed her PhD in Learning and Reasoning at Brunel University in just 2.5 years, showcasing her dedication and aptitude in the field. Throughout her educational journey, Dr. Osman has focused on understanding cognitive mechanisms and decision-making processes. Her academic training has laid a strong foundation for her research, enabling her to explore complex topics such as uncertainty, reasoning, and learning. This solid educational background, combined with her ongoing commitment to learning, equips her to tackle pressing issues in psychology and policy. As a leading figure in her field, Dr. Osman continues to influence both academic discourse and practical applications in decision-making, reflecting the depth and breadth of her educational experience.
Experience:
Dr. Magda Osman has an impressive academic career, having held various significant positions across renowned institutions. After serving as a Visiting Researcher at the University of Edinburgh, she worked as a Research Assistant at Royal Holloway. Her tenure at University College London spanned several years, where she rose from Research Fellow to Senior Research Fellow, eventually becoming a Reader in Experimental Psychology. Since 2010, Dr. Osman has held multiple prestigious roles, including Lecturer at the University of Surrey and Research Fellow at the Turing Institute. In her current role as Head of Research and Analysis at the Centre for Science and Policy, University of Cambridge, and as a Visiting Professor at Leeds Business School, she leads research initiatives focused on decision-making and policy impact. Her multifaceted experience in research, teaching, and policy engagement underpins her authority and influence in the field of experimental psychology.
Research Focus:
Dr. Magda Osman’s research primarily investigates cognitive faculties and decision-making under uncertainty. Her work encompasses various domains, including moral, financial, medical, and policy contexts, aiming to understand how individuals navigate complex situations. Dr. Osman explores adaptive mechanisms in causal reasoning, inductive reasoning, low-level motor learning, and problem-solving. Her commitment to addressing real-world challenges is evident in her studies on risk perception and behavioral insights, as well as her contributions to public policy. By examining how people make decisions in uncertain environments, she seeks to enhance the effectiveness of interventions and improve outcomes in critical areas. Dr. Osman’s research not only advances theoretical understanding but also aims to inform practice, guiding policymakers and practitioners in making informed decisions that reflect the complexities of human cognition. Her dedication to translating research into practical applications highlights her significant role in shaping the discourse around decision-making.
Publications Top Notes:
- What Works: When & Why are Nudges Sticky, Scaleable and Transferable?
- Complex problem solving beyond the psychometric approach.
- Factors guiding moral judgment, reason, decision, and action.
- What are the essential cognitive requirements for prospection?
- Beyond reproducibility, making a psychological application safe to use.
- Planning and Control.
- Problem solving: Understanding Complexity as Uncertainty.
- An integrative framework for mapping the psychological landscape of risk perception.
- Public Evaluations of Misinformation and Motives for Sharing It.
- The effect of risk communication on consumers’ risk perception, risk tolerance and utility of smart and non-smart home appliances.
- Energy transitioning: why bother with uncertainty and why does risk tolerance really matter?
- Energy transitioning: communicating risk to decision-makers.
- Supporting effective shared decision-making in surgical context.
- (Why) Is Misinformation a Problem?
- Self-reported Side-effects of Ultraviolet-C Disinfection Devices.
- Misdiagnosing the problem of why behavioural change interventions fail.
- Using the study of reasoning to address the age of unreason
Conclusion:
Dr. Magda Osman exemplifies the qualities of a leading researcher through her extensive experience, significant contributions to understanding decision-making under uncertainty, and her ability to secure substantial funding. Her impactful work and dedication to advancing knowledge in psychology position her as a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. By addressing areas for improvement, she can further enhance her contributions to academia and society.