Neil Howlett conducts research in the area of physical activity and behaviour change. Neil has expertise in behaviour change methodology including: designing, implementing, and evaluating interventions to help individuals, communities, and populations change a range of health behaviours; evidence synthesis such as systematic reviews and meta-analyses; broad knowledge of behaviour change theories; training a range of health professionals in behaviour change and communication skills; input into national behavioural science strategies. He is principal investigator on Department of Health, Lottery, and Local Enterprise Partnership-funded grants with the charity HENRY, both evaluating volunteer-delivered parenting programmes and developing a new teenage programme focused on physical activity and eating behaviours. Additionally, Neil helped in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the Sport England-funded Active Herts project. Neil has been a successful lead or co-applicant on nearly £4 million of grants. Key current projects include the large NIHR-funded READY and PHIRST grants. READY is testing the effectiveness of exercise at different intensities as a treatment for young people living with depression. PHIRST is a responsive public health evaluation team working with a number of local authorities to evaluate how services such as drug and alcohol and a national exercise referral scheme have adapted to COVID-19. Neil also sits on the executive committee of the Behavioural Science and Public Health Network.