Broadmoor research hub team

Dr Robert Cornish, Research Lead

Laura Gröger, Research Assistant

Sophie Gurr, Research Assistant

Simon Draycott

I am currently the lead psychologist within the high secure personality disorder pathway and a part-time lecturer of psychology at Bournemouth University. My main interests are how individuals with personality disorder and psychopathy may process emotional information, maintain interpersonal cycles, and respond to treatment. Outside of personality disorder, I research readiness to change in forensic settings.

James Tapp

Having spent over a decade at Broadmoor Hospital, I had the opportunity to train in forensic psychology while also completing a PhD with Surrey University, exploring what works in high secure inpatient services. I currently work within the clinical research and governance and HSS PD pathway, acting as a senior lecturer at Kingston University. My current research interests include: restorative justice in mental health settings, psychological assessment, and violence and aggression in secure settings.

Read more on James Tapp's profile on the research gate website. 

David Murphy

BSc (Hons), MSc, D Clin Psychol, PG dip clinical neuropsychology, PGC Autism.

I am a chartered forensic and consultant clinical neuropsychologist with over 20 years’ experience working in a range of forensic settings. My research interests are in most aspects of neuropsychology related to mentally disordered offenders and offenders with neurodevelopmental disorders. I also teach at a number of universities around forensic neuropsychology and the forensic aspects of autism, as well as presenting at national and international conferences.

This placement is truly packed with a range of valuable opportunities for students. You'll be exposed to the forensic and clinical branches of psychology, making it a perfect placement for someone who hopes to practice clinical psychology within forensic settings in the future.

You'll have the chance to conduct neuropsychological and risk assessments with patients as well as attend clinical ward meetings. Additionally, you will be able to engage with the exciting research going on at the hospital through their high secure research hub.

This placement has expanded my clinical knowledge and research skills to an extent I did not think possible before graduating.

Thank you to the team at Broadmoor for making this placement experience what it is!

This is a really valuable opportunity for an aspiring Clinical Psychologist and a unique opportunity as an undergraduate student! Through the incredible support and encouragement of Dr Murphy - I've been able to contribute to multiple research projects that are soon to be published.

I was also given the chance to present one of my research projects at a Broadmoor Conference, winning the award for the best project.

Alongside my research role, I've also been able to gain an extensive amount of clinical experience, even completing neuropsychological assessments of patients and attending clinical meetings. I couldn't have asked for a more beneficial placement year working as a Student Research Assistant within the Research Hub. The placement has affirmed my career aspirations and I look forward to applying my acquired knowledge in my final year of university and beyond.

I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to complete my placement year as a student research assistant within the Research Hub. It gave me such a unique opportunity to gain skills that are hard to come by as an undergraduate student.

As part of my research role, I was fortunate enough to contribute to multiple research projects. I was a part of projects all the way from gaining approval, through to the write-up. Some of which have now been submitted for publication. In addition to this, I also gained a great deal of clinical experience, being able to conduct neuropsychological assessments and attend clinical team meetings regularly.

These experiences are tough to obtain as an undergraduate and so I’m very thankful to Dr Murphy for allowing me to have these. Dr Murphy was an incredible supervisor who taught me so much and always provided so much encouragement and positive feedback. The Research Hub team was also really supportive and created a wonderful environment to work in. I couldn’t be more thankful to everyone!

I am extremely grateful for the experience I gained during my placement year within the Research Hub at Broadmoor Hospital. Throughout my time there, I had the opportunity to develop a wide range of clinical and research skills that strengthened my confidence and supported my progress during my final year at university.

As part of my research role, I was able to be involved in various projects across the Research Hub. I was involved at multiple stages of the research cycle, from early development and data collection to analysis and preparing work for publication. This hands‑on experience gave me a strong understanding of how clinical research is conducted.

Alongside this, I gained valuable clinical experience. Under the supervision of Dr. Murphy, I conducted neuropsychological assessments with patients across the hospital, which strengthened my confidence and practical skills.

My experience was invaluable, and I am grateful to Dr Murphy and the entire Research Hub for creating a supportive environment and helping me to develop as an aspiring psychologist.