Professor Nikos Ntoumanis

Creating supportive environments

Professor Nikos Ntoumanis, an internationally recognised expert in motivation and behavioural science, has joined the University of Birmingham as a 125th Anniversary Chair on a fractional appointment. While he remains based at the University of Southern Denmark, where he leads a research centre (Danish Centre for Motivation and Behaviour Science), his partial post at Birmingham reflects a renewed commitment to collaborative, impactful research across institutions.

“I spent over a decade at the University of Birmingham, from 2001 to 2014, and it played a pivotal role in shaping my academic career,” he reflects. “Taking up this Anniversary Chair role now feels like the ideal way to reconnect with a vibrant academic community that values both excellence and real-world impact.”

Professor Ntoumanis’ work focuses on adaptive motivation - understanding how people can be supported to make healthy, sustainable choices in their lives. Drawing on psychology and behavioural science, his research explores both the enablers and barriers to behaviour change across different populations.

“Motivation underlies so much of human behaviour,” he explains. “From how we approach learning and work to how we care for our physical and mental health. I’m interested in what drives people forward, what holds them back, and how we can design environments that better support positive change.”

A key part of his research involves developing and testing behavioural interventions that can be adapted for different groups, such as adolescents, physically inactive adults, or individuals managing chronic conditions.

One of the most rewarding aspects of returning to Birmingham, Professor Ntoumanis notes, is the collaborative research environment.

“Birmingham has an incredible network of academics, professional staff, and students who are open, supportive, and curious,” he says. “The interdisciplinary nature of the University makes it easy to work across fields, which is essential when tackling complex health and behaviour challenges.”

A hallmark of Professor Ntoumanis’ work is his commitment to making research matter beyond the university walls. “My aim is to create supportive environments - in schools, clinics, workplaces, and communities - that help people adopt and maintain healthier behaviours,” he says.

One of his most exciting projects at the moment is YEAH! (Youth Engagement in Active Health), a €10 million Horizon Europe initiative. The project works directly with young people across Europe to co-design strategies for improving physical activity, diet, sleep, and overall wellbeing.

“YEAH! is built on the idea that young people are experts in their own lives,” he explains. “We’re not just delivering interventions - we’re co-creating them. The goal is to build activities that are enjoyable, inclusive, and sustainable, while addressing real barriers they face.”

Asked what advice he would give to researchers considering a 125th Anniversary Fellowship, Professor Ntoumanis encourages ambition paired with alignment. “Think big and pursue ideas that inspire you,” he says. “At the same time, be clear about how your work fits into the University’s strengths and how you can contribute to its collaborative ethos.”

With roles in both Denmark and the UK, Professor Ntoumanis is uniquely positioned to bring an international perspective to behavioural science - forging partnerships, developing evidence-based interventions, and helping shape a healthier future across borders.