James Munro

I graduated in 2011 with a BSc (hons) in psychology from the University of Abertay, Dundee. In 2012 I started my PhD in cognitive neuroscience at the University of Roehampton, London. My PhD studies involved an investigation into a controversial system in the brain called the mirror neuron system, using functional MRI.

I carried on my work with MRI, exploring the role of anxiety in decision making, memory and other cognitive factors and neural correlates. I submitted my PhD in December 2015 and graduated in January 2017. My training in cognitive neuroscience methods has given me a significant technical skillset which I put to use developing a career as a senior technician in psychology. In the past four years, I have worked alongside colleagues in applying decision making literature to forensic and legal environments and recently obtained a lectureship.

I have published several papers in this area. I have also published in a variety of media outlets (such as The Conversation), won science communication awards (I'm a Scientist, Get Me out of Here!), engaged with international knowledge trading (Erasmus + staff exchange) and supported the development of academic technicians (via Higher Education and Technician's Educational Development).

I began working for the Open University in August 2020 and was hired as a lecturer in May 2022. I work hard to contribute positively to teaching and research.

Research interests
I am currently interesting in exploring the different sources of bias that, eventually, converge on jury or other forms of decision making. I work to inform policy decisions with academic research regarding the Scottish legal system.