Professor Richard Hastings

Fellow of the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 2004

PhD in Psychology, University of Southampton, 1994

BSc Psychology, University of Southampton, 1990

Professor Hastings studied Psychology as an undergraduate at the University of Southampton where he also completed an ESRC-funded PhD in the field of intellectual disabilities. After working in a post-doctoral teaching and research at Southampton from 1993-1995, he held posts as a Lecturer in Psychology at UCL (Institute of Child Health) from 1995-1997, Lecturer then Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Southampton (1997-2002). From 2002-2013, Richard worked in the School of Psychology at Bangor University initially as a Reader (2002-2004) then Professor. During his time in Bangor, he was the Research Director for the Clinical Psychology Training Programme and also served as Deputy Head (2004-2005, 2007) and Head of School (2005-2007) as well as chairing the Board that established the College of Health and Behavioural Sciences at Bangor (2005-2006) and serving as the Deputy Head of College (2006-2007). At Bangor, Richard was also co-director of the Masters in Applied Behavioural Analysis (2009-2012) and Director of the Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice (2007-2008).

Prior to his post at the University of Birmingham, Professor Hastings was at the University of Warwick for 11 years (2013-2024) in the Centre for Research in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (previously, CEDAR). He was Deputy Head of this research centre and Head/Director (2021-2024).

Professor Hastings has been recognised for his research contribution to the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities with awards from three international organisations: the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (International Award 2021), the National (USA) Association for the Dually Diagnosed (2023 Steven Reiss Research Award), and the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (Research Award 2024). He was also previously the Editor in Chief of the Journal of Intellectual Disability Research (2018-2021) and has served as an associate/action editor or editorial board member for 17 other peer review research journals.

Professor Hastings is committed to working in partnership with people with intellectual disabilities, their families, and professionals and services to increase and improve research evidence that can help to address health, social and educational inequalities experienced by people with intellectual disabilities and their families. His research with colleagues and partners has been funded mainly by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, ESRC, the Youth Endowment Fund, and a number of disability research charities.

Richard’s main research focus is on topics relating to mental health in children and adults with intellectual disabilities, family support, early intervention, and educational outcomes for children with intellectual disabilities. He also carries out research on evidence based mental health and well-being interventions in mainstream schools and parenting and family support for young people with mental health or behaviour challenges.