A University of Chichester academic has been handed a prize by the British Psychological Society (BPS) for his 2025 book Austerity.
The work by Dr Bruno De Oliveira, Lecturer in Psychology, was the winner of the Academic Monograph category in the 2026 BPS Book Awards.
The book offers a concise, accessible and fiercely critical overview of austerity, not only as a budgetary strategy, but as a political and ideological project that has reshaped economies, dismantled welfare states, and deepened structural injustice worldwide.
It also explores alternatives to austerity, presenting concrete alternatives that prioritise social investment and economic justice and showcasing examples of resistance, advocacy, and activism.
On receiving the Academic Monograph Award, Bruno said: “I’m humbled that my book, Austerity, won this award. It is a topic that requires care but engagement, as the lives and livelihoods of many were somewhat changed by it. I want to thank the colleagues and friends who read it and provided valuable feedback.
“The book touches upon the psychological impact of policies and seeks to aid reflection that policy and wellbeing might be the different sides of the same coin.”
Working at the intersection of psychology, public health and social policy, Bruno’s research examines some of society’s most pressing challenges, including poverty, homelessness, austerity and inequality.
Central to his approach is a commitment to participatory action research, bringing people with lived experience into the research process and recognising them as partners in generating knowledge and driving change.
His work helps to shape public conversations, inform policy and support communities, by connecting academic research with real-world challenges.