- Psychological scientist researching memory and criminal psychology
- Bestselling author of The Memory Illusion and Making Evil
- Leading voice on digital ethics and human behaviour
Dr Julia Shaw is a psychological scientist at University College London whose work on memory, criminal behaviour, and digital ethics sits at the centre of some of the most complex questions facing modern society.
Julia’s research explores how memories are formed, distorted, and even implanted, and how these processes shape justice systems, technology, and everyday decision making. She co-founded the workplace reporting platform Spot, which uses artificial intelligence to help organisations document and respond to harassment, discrimination, and misconduct.
Julia is a familiar voice across broadcast and print media, hosting and contributing to programmes for BBC Radio 4, BBC Sounds, AMC, ITVX, and BBC Two. She co-hosted the BBC Sounds podcast Bad People, and her analysis of crime, memory, and behaviour regularly features in international documentaries and current affairs coverage. Her books have been translated into more than twenty languages and include The Memory Illusion, Making Evil, Bi, and Green Crime, each bringing psychological science to public debates around justice, identity, and environmental crime. Her work appears regularly in Scientific American and Psychology Today.
Julia's research on false memories and criminal behaviour helps organisations understand how human psychology shapes workplace dynamics, cybersecurity risks, and environmental decision-making. She demonstrates how memory can be manipulated, why technology changes behaviour, and what makes workplaces vulnerable to inappropriate conduct. Her expertise in legal cases provides practical frameworks for handling complex workplace issues.
Audiences learn evidence-based strategies for creating inclusive work environments, protecting against memory manipulation and misinformation, and understanding the psychology behind cybercrime and environmental destruction. Julia presents actionable solutions drawn from cognitive science research that organisations can implement immediately.
Book Julia to gain research-backed insights that challenge assumptions about memory, morality, and human behaviour in the workplace.
Dr Julia's Showreel and Videos
Topics, Sessions and Talks
Upgrade Your Workplace Culture
Dr Julia Shaw will address how to effectively discuss discrimination and harassment in the workplace, emphasising the importance of anonymous reporting as a solution. Drawing on her latest scientific research, she will present strategies to foster a culture that discourages such behaviours. Attendees will learn best practices for preserving and extracting emotional memories, as well as effective reporting methods to reduce barriers and encourage open dialogue about transgressions.
Exploring "Evil" In Cyber, Eco, And Work Environments
Dr Julia Shaw brings together criminology, psychology, and digital ethics to examine how harmful behaviour takes root across online spaces, environmental decision making, and workplace cultures. Julia explores why the internet reshapes moral boundaries, how memory biases distort our view of past and future risks, and why certain organisational structures invite misconduct. With a playful yet evidence led style, she connects research to real world systems, revealing how better tools and smarter design reduce exposure to ethical, reputational, and sustainability threats.
You Need More Than Rainbows
Dr Julia Shaw emphasises the importance of fostering true inclusion in the workplace. She outlines practical steps to create an environment where individuals can authentically express themselves, moving beyond mere symbolic gestures like those often seen during Pride month. Attendees will learn how to implement strategies that encourage employees to bring their whole selves to work, ultimately enhancing workplace culture and productivity.
Dr Julia Shaw's keynote will demystify memory, revealing its inherent flaws and challenging our sense of self. She will explore how memories often distort our past and discuss strategies to avoid common memory illusions. Attendees will gain insights into the beauty of our brain's imperfections, understanding that memory is essential for learning, creativity, and problem-solving. Ultimately, Julia will leave the audience with a thought-provoking question: how can we know who we are if we cannot trust our memories?
Dr Julia Shaw explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and memory, presenting her groundbreaking research on how to preserve life events indefinitely. She discusses the potential for memory manipulation through technology and addresses the question of whether memories can be hacked or transferred. Attendees will learn effective strategies to safeguard their memories while gaining insight into the fascinating and alarming future of memory technology. Join Julia for an enlightening experience that blends cognitive science with AI.
Why We Recommend Booking Dr Julia
Book Dr Julia Shaw to unlock powerful, research-backed insights on memory, behaviour, and digital ethics that will transform how your organisation approaches justice, workplace culture, and cybersecurity. Secure her as your next speaker to empower your team with practical strategies for navigating today’s most complex psychological challenges.
She explains her thought-provoking memory research... which explores the science behind false memories, self-deception and how our memory system really works.
Lauren Pelley
Toronto Star
Dr. Julia grabbed the attention of the audience from the start and made the experience engaging and memorable for all participants, providing interesting insights and food for thought in terms of how memory works and how it could be improved.
Biliana Drajeva
Internal Communications Manager, A1 Bulgaria EAD
