Dr Vashti Berry

Professor Vashti Berry is a Professor of Prevention Science, working in the prevention and early intervention of children’s psychosocial health difficulties. Her work is focused on services supporting children and families, particularly in the context of challenging family contexts such as domestic violence and abuse or reduced parenting capacity. She has a commitment to research that targets health inequalities by working in partnership with the public.

Professor Berry collaborates internationally on prevention and early intervention with children and families. She designs and leads studies that answer pressing questions for commissioners, clinicians and practitioners working for and with children and families, often seeking a solution to the most effective way to prevent or intervene early in difficulties with their health and development. Professor Berry’s research has provided evidence to influence the design and delivery of public services and policy in early years, parenting, domestic abuse support and prevention of poor mental health.

Professor Berry was the Director of the Children & Young People’s Mental Health Research Collaboration (ChYMe) at Exeter from 2019-2024, and she co-leads the Children and Young People's Health and Wellbeing Research Network. Additionally, she leads nationally on the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration’s (ARC) Children’s Health and Maternity priority programme.