Dr Louise Venables

About me

I am a Research Fellow at the University of Exeter, working on an NIHR-funded project exploring how reusable menstrual products could support menstrual health, equity and environmental sustainability among young people in Exmouth.

My research examines how psychological, social and place-based factors shape wellbeing and environmentally sustainable behaviour, with a particular interest in community engagement and translating research into practical action and policy.

My wider work explores: the role of community eco-hubs in supporting wellbeing, social connection and collective environmental action; plant-based food, environmental sustainability and community food networks; and the use of folk stories to raise environmental awareness and inspire action. Previous research examined barriers to entrepreneurship among people living on low incomes, as well as inclusion and representation within anatomy and medical education.

I work closely with communities, policymakers, public-sector organisations and third-sector partners to co-produce relevant and inclusive research with the potential to inform decision-making and practice.

Qualifications

2002–2007 PhD Psychology and Psychophysiology, Liverpool John Moores University, UK

2001–2002 MSc Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience (Distinction), University of Liverpool, UK

1997–2000 BSc/BA (Hons) Psychology with Philosophy, University of Sunderland, UK

Career

2026-present: Research Fellow, NIHR-funded Reusable Menstrual Products project, University of Exeter, UK

2025-2026: Researcher and grant-writer on Inclusivity in Anatomy Education project, University of Plymouth, UK

2024–2025: Research Fellow, European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter, UK

2019–2024: Senior Copyeditor/Business Co-founder, Asterism Editing, UK

2011–2024: Senior Copyeditor for The Journal of Laryngology & Otology

2007–2010: Research Fellow, Swansea University, UK

2006–2010: Chartered Psychologist/Company Director, PeakMind Ltd, Swansea, UK

2006–2007: Senior Research Assistant in Psychology, Swansea University, UK

2002–2006: Research Assistant in Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, UK