Flinders University
Research Field: Psychology
Certain disasters will promote historically large public responses, while other events will not garner the same levels of support. What are the lessons that can be learnt from successful appeals to promote engagement with long-standing humanitarian disadvantage?
A/Prof’s Thomas’ research focuses on understanding what motivates people to join collective efforts for causes that can positively and negatively affect people or society. She has extended her insights to understand public support for refugees, as well as the underpinnings of political extremism.
Emma communicates her research findings to governments and non-government organisations, has written for The Conversation, and had her research covered on The Washington Post, ABC Local radio, and The Canberra Times. A/Prof Thomas received her PhD from Australian National University in 2009, and is currently an Associate Professor of Psychology at Flinders University.