TARG was established in 2007, originally as the Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group. Since then, both our team and our research focus have grown significantly. In 2025, we updated our name to reflect this broader scope - TARG now stands for the Translational and Applied Research Group. Our work explores the psychological and biological factors that drive health-related behaviours, with a particular focus on nicotine and tobacco use, alcohol, other drugs, mental health, and neurodiversity. Our research has shaped legislation and public health policies in the UK and internationally.
TARG is led by Professor Angela Attwood, Dr Olivia Maynard, and Professor Ian Penton-Voak. We welcome enquiries from those interested in working with us.
TARG conducts high-quality, innovative research to better understand:
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The causes and consequences of health-related behaviours;
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How these behaviours impact physical and mental health;
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The development of novel behavioural and pharmacological interventions to improve individual and population health.
Our research follows a translational approach, beginning with epidemiological research to identify potentially causal links between behaviours and health outcomes. We then explore these mechanisms through laboratory-based, online, and qualitative studies. Insights from this research inform the development and evaluation of new interventions.
We are committed to:
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Conducting rigorous, high-standard research grounded in open science principles, including publishing our protocols and data;
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Integrating diverse methodological approaches;
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Collaborating with both academic and non-academic partners.
Our core values are integrity, collaboration, mutual support, transparency, and diligence.
You can learn more about our team and how we work in our lab handbook.