Behavioural Analytics
Speaker: Woodward, K. (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory [DSTL])
Date: 23 October 2018
Speaker Session Preview
SMA hosted a speaker session presented by Dr. Katie Woodward (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory [DSTL]) as a part of its SMA General Speaker Series. Dr. Woodward first explained DSTL’s role within the UK Ministry of Defence.
She then defined the term “behavioral analytics,” explained why DSTL is interested in studying behavioral analytics, and discussed the aims of the two categories of research programs within DSTL’s Influence Program. Next, she spoke about DSTL’s Defense and Security Accelerator (DASA and provided some examples of DSTL’s themed innovation competitions. She also discussed the four primary challenge areas on which DSTL is focusing: 1) How does observed data relate to behavior?, 2) How can we harness new sources of data to reliably understand and forecast behavior in a defense and security context?, 3) What new methods and models can we develop to understand behavior in a defense and security context?, and 4) How can we help defense and security practitioners to understand the insights arising from behavior analytics? To conclude her presentation, Dr. Woodward discussed the logistics of the competition process, the assessment criteria, and how to submit ideas.
Biography
Dr. Katie Woodward is currently a Principal Psychologist working in the Human and Social Sciences Group at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory in Hampshire, UK. Her research interests lie primarily in social-psychological attitudes and influence. Dr. Woodward combines her government research career with academic teaching through visiting lecturer positions and independent research initiatives.
She also serves as a UK representative on the Human Factors and Medicine (HFM) Panel within the NATO Science and Technology Organisation (STO), with a particular emphasis on social behavior.
Dr. Woodward earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Plymouth in Devon, UK, and later completed her doctoral studies at the International Centre for Research in Forensic Psychology (ICRFP) at the University of Portsmouth.
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