Gemma Spickernell
Department, Institution: Clinical Educational and Health Psychology, UCL
UBEL Pathway: Behaviour Change
Supervisor: Prof Angel Chater, Prof Fabi Lorencatto
About Me
I am currently pursuing a PhD in behavioural science at the UCL Centre for Behaviour Change. I hold a Masters Degree in Psychological Research from Stellenbosch University and have over 10 years of experience in applied behavioural science research across commercial and public health settings. I have directed research activities for leading global healthcare organisations including the Gates Foundation and Pfizer. I am particularly interested in designing interventions to improve maternal health outcomes. Beyond research, I am a mother of two little ones and run a busy personal training studio in Central London!
My Research
Gemma’s research focuses on optimising physical activity interventions during pregnancy. While physical activity levels are generally low across the population, they decline even further during pregnancy and after childbirth. This matters because being active during pregnancy is associated with wide-ranging health benefits for both mother and baby.
Pregnancy introduces unique barriers that can prevent mothers from engaging in physical activity. Gemma’s PhD aims to identify and address these pregnancy-specific barriers using behavioural science frameworks such as the COM-B model and the Behaviour Change Wheel. Her work will inform the development of more tailored, evidence-based interventions to help women maintain or increase physical activity during and after pregnancy.
Impact of My Research
A central feature of the research is its collaborative, co-design approach. By working directly with pregnant mothers, healthcare professionals, and maternity services, the project aims to develop strategies that are not only effective but also practical, scalable, and suitable for integration into routine care.
The potential impact is wide-ranging. Insights from the research could inform national health policies, such as the NHS Long Term Plan, by strengthening the role of physical activity in maternity care. Outputs may include updated evidence-based guidelines, training resources for healthcare providers, and public-facing campaigns to raise awareness of the benefits of staying active in pregnancy. Dissemination will be designed for maximum reach and engagement, using channels such as conferences, podcasts, media partnerships, and collaborations with influential pregnancy advocates.
Ultimately, by promoting safe and sustainable physical activity during pregnancy, this research has the potential to improve maternal health outcomes, support healthier pregnancies, and create lasting benefits for both mothers and their children.