Dr Genavee Brown

My research has dual but complementary focuses. My first area focuses on the global challenge of online safety and inclusion (UN SDG 3, 5, and 9) where I focus on topics like online misogyny, bias in AI, and LGBTQ inclusion online. This last topic was recognized with a grant from the Digital Good Network (ESRC) and our article on the topic was awarded a best paper distinction at SIGCHI AGM in 2024. This work has allowed me to develop connections within Northumbria (ex. PhD supervision through CCAI CDT) and has also developed my wider national connections with interdisciplinary colleagues. My second area of focus is on the urgent global challenge: social and political polarization (UN SDG 16). My work in this area has been recognized internationally with an invitation to be a founding member of the Association of French-Speaking Political Psychology as well as several international funding bids (IDEOPOL, CRIT, PROUD2) which have served to strengthen my international collaborations during my time at NU.

Throughout my research, teaching, and academic citizenship two common threads run through all my contributions to NU. First, my focus on gender equality and LGBTQ+ inclusion can help transform soeity and enable people of all backgrounds to succeed as both staff, students and research participants. One of my key achievements while at NU was the development of guidance on how to collect participant data on gender and sexual orientation during my work on the Ethics Policy Review Group. Additionally, I integrate teaching about diverse genders and sexualities in my module Psychology of Intimacy. The second common thread in my work is my passion for creating community impact by sharing science with diverse community members. My work has been featured in national publications and TV like The Psychologist and BBC Breakfast and also international media such as Harvard Magazine and The Atlantic. My passion for science communication led me to start a department podcast, The Big 5 NU Psych Podcast, where staff and students could share their research with a broader audience. I have also been awarded funding to participate in the international Festival of Social Science (Pub Quiz on online sexism in 2024 and interactive stand titled Workers through AI’s Eyes at Life Centre). My event at the Life Centre in October 2025 enabled me to share my work with over 200 community members from the North East and beyond. My collaboration with the Life Centre will continue to impact the community in the coming years as I am currently collaborating with them on how to incorporate the dangers of AI in their “Find the Fake” show which reaches thousands of families each year.