Overview
Alex is a Science Communicator with fifteen years of experience in helping to improve the public’s understanding of science.
He is currently funded by the pan-European projects BlueHealth and Seas, Oceans and Public Health in Europe, leading on communication activities with teams across Europe to enhance awareness and impact.
Alex is also a PhD student investigating how immersion in digital natural environments might be used for therapeutic gains. Funded by the Wellcome Trust, his Virtual Nature project is using the latest virtual reality techniques to bring the therapeutic benefits of nature to those who can’t otherwise access it.
Alex has a background in science communication gained from work in private consultancy, government, national media and university research. He has extensive experience in the production and dissemination of digital content and a proven record in broadcasting multi-platform information across the world.
Research group links
Research
Research interests
Alex is interested in virtual natural environments can impact wellbeing. His research into ‘virtual nature’ is investigating how nature, culture and technology can combine to enhance psychological health.
Alex’s PhD research is developing our understanding of ‘what works’ in nature restoration, and is hoping to inform an intervention which brings contact with the natural environment to people who can’t otherwise access it.
His 5 year project is funded by the Wellcome Centre for Cultures and Environments of Health, and the University of Exeter.
Research projects
Current Projects:
- Virtual Nature: Exploring how digital experiences of the natural world can impact health and wellbeing.
Publications
Key publications | Publications by category | Publications by year
Publications by category
Journal articles
Yeo NL, White MP, Alcock I, Garside R, Dean SG, Smalley AJ, Gatersleben B (2020). What is the best way of delivering virtual nature for improving mood? an experimental comparison of high definition TV, 360° video, and computer generated virtual reality.
Journal of Environmental Psychology,
72, 101500-101500.
Full text.
Fleming LE, McDonough N, Austen M, Mee L, Moore M, Hess P, Depledge MH, White M, Philippart K, Bradbrook P, et al (2014). Oceans and Human Health: a rising tide of challenges and opportunities for Europe.
Mar Environ Res,
99, 16-19.
Abstract:
Oceans and Human Health: a rising tide of challenges and opportunities for Europe.
The European Marine Board recently published a position paper on linking oceans and human health as a strategic research priority for Europe. With this position paper as a reference, the March 2014 Cornwall Oceans and Human Health Workshop brought together key scientists, policy makers, funders, business, and non governmental organisations from Europe and the US to review the recent interdisciplinary and cutting edge research in oceans and human health specifically the growing evidence of the impacts of oceans and seas on human health and wellbeing (and the effects of humans on the oceans). These impacts are a complex mixture of negative influences (e.g. from climate change and extreme weather to harmful algal blooms and chemical pollution) and beneficial factors (e.g. from natural products including seafood to marine renewable energy and wellbeing from interactions with coastal environments). Integrated approaches across disciplines, institutions, and nations in science and policy are needed to protect both the oceans and human health and wellbeing now and in the future.
Abstract.
Author URL.
Full text.
Publications by year
2020
Yeo NL, White MP, Alcock I, Garside R, Dean SG, Smalley AJ, Gatersleben B (2020). What is the best way of delivering virtual nature for improving mood? an experimental comparison of high definition TV, 360° video, and computer generated virtual reality.
Journal of Environmental Psychology,
72, 101500-101500.
Full text.
2014
Fleming LE, McDonough N, Austen M, Mee L, Moore M, Hess P, Depledge MH, White M, Philippart K, Bradbrook P, et al (2014). Oceans and Human Health: a rising tide of challenges and opportunities for Europe.
Mar Environ Res,
99, 16-19.
Abstract:
Oceans and Human Health: a rising tide of challenges and opportunities for Europe.
The European Marine Board recently published a position paper on linking oceans and human health as a strategic research priority for Europe. With this position paper as a reference, the March 2014 Cornwall Oceans and Human Health Workshop brought together key scientists, policy makers, funders, business, and non governmental organisations from Europe and the US to review the recent interdisciplinary and cutting edge research in oceans and human health specifically the growing evidence of the impacts of oceans and seas on human health and wellbeing (and the effects of humans on the oceans). These impacts are a complex mixture of negative influences (e.g. from climate change and extreme weather to harmful algal blooms and chemical pollution) and beneficial factors (e.g. from natural products including seafood to marine renewable energy and wellbeing from interactions with coastal environments). Integrated approaches across disciplines, institutions, and nations in science and policy are needed to protect both the oceans and human health and wellbeing now and in the future.
Abstract.
Author URL.
Full text.
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