Martyn Barrett is a psychologist but his interests are much wider than just psychology.

His research has examined how children acquire languages, how people’s attitudes and feelings towards other countries develop, how people from different cultural groups interact and communicate with each other, and how young people can contribute to the civic and political life of their communities. At the present time, he is working on ways in which schools can help young people to build their capacities for contributing actively to society. Above all else, he is concerned to ensure that education is used to empower young people, so that they are able to make a positive difference to the communities and countries in which they are living. Martyn is based at the University of Surrey, in Guildford, England, where he holds the position of Emeritus Professor of Psychology. However, most of his work these days is for the Council of Europe, in Strasbourg, France, where he helps to develop educational tools and recommendations on schooling for the 46 countries that together make up the Council of Europe. He has authored or contributed to numerous books, including Youth Civic and Political Engagement (2019, Routledge) and Developing Intercultural Competence through Education (2014, Council of Europe). When not working, he loves to play with his grandchildren, and to watch great movies.

Come back later this fall to read Martyn’s article on Citizenship!