Dr Dimitrios Xenias
BSc Crete, MA Durham, PhD Hull
Research Associate
- xeniasd@cardiff.ac.uk, xeniasd@gmx.com
- +44 (0)29 2087 0714
- Tower Building, 70 Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT
Overview
Research summary
My research focuses on the social psychology of sustainable behaviours (and associated technologies) and behaviour change. Specifically, in several projects since 2010 I have been studying:
- water and energy perceptions and use
- attitudes to energy systems and new technologies (e.g. Carbon Capture and Storage, renewable energy, electric vehicles)
- travel behaviour and climate risks communication
I use quantitative (e.g. surveys, experiments) and qualitative (e.g. interviews, focus groups) methods.
I am a Research Affiliate of the Sustainable Places Research Institute at Cardiff University, the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, and an external reviewer for the European Commission and UKRI.
Previous work includes an ESRC project on intergroup anxiety employing various methods including psychophysiology, self report measures, surveys and interviews.
My PhD research was on social psychology; specifically the study of facial expression, emotion and social context.
Teaching summary
Year 1: Personal/Academic tutor for first year students, essay and report marking for level 4/5 modules.
Year 2: Personal/Academic tutor for second year students, marking level 5 module coursework.
Year 3: Final year project supervision.
Biography
Postgraduate education
Durham University, MA (Distinction)
University of Hull, PhD
Employment
2009 – present: Research Associate, School of Psychology, Cardiff University
2005 – 2009: Research Associate, Schools of Social Sciences and Psychology, Cardiff University
2004 – 2005: Teaching Fellow, Department of Psychology, University of Hull
2001 – 2004: Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Psychology, University of Hull
Professional Membership
BPS - British Psychological Society
ISRE - International Society for the Study of Emotion
EASP - European Association of Social Psychology
Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research
Climate Change Commission for Wales
Reviewer For
European Commission (Research Executive Agency)
Environment and Planning A
Environment and Planning C
Journal of Urban Affairs
Journal of Environmental Planning and Management
Natural Resources Forum
Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice
Publications
2022
- McEwan, K. et al. 2022. Greener streets and behaviours, and green-eyed neighbours: a controlled study evaluating the impact of a sustainable urban drainage scheme in Wales on sustainability. Sustainable Water Resources Management 8, article number: 143. (10.1007/s40899-022-00723-z)
2020
- Paluszny, A. et al. 2020. Caprock integrity and public perception studies of carbon storage in depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs. International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control 98, article number: 103057. (10.1016/j.ijggc.2020.103057)
2019
- Whitmarsh, L., Xenias, D. and Jones, C. R. 2019. Framing effects on public support for carbon capture and storage. Palgrave Communications 5, article number: 17. (10.1057/s41599-019-0217-x)
2018
- Connor, P. M., Axon, C. J., Xenias, D. and Balta-Ozkan, N. 2018. Sources of risk and uncertainty in UK smart grid deployment: An expert stakeholder analysis. Energy 161, pp. 1-9. (10.1016/j.energy.2018.07.115)
- Xenias, D. and Whitmarsh, L. 2018. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) experts' attitudes to and experience with public engagement. International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control 78, pp. 103-116. (10.1016/j.ijggc.2018.07.030)
- Xenias, D. and Whitmarsh, L. 2018. Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS) and public engagement: expert and public views. Presented at: European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2018, Vienna, Austria, 8-13 April 2018Geophysical Research Abstracts, Vol. 20. Munich: European Geosciences Union
2017
- Nash, N. et al. 2017. Climate-relevant behavioural spillover and the potential contribution of social practice theory. WIREs Climate Change 8(6), article number: e481. (10.1002/wcc.481)
- Greenland, K., Xenias, D. and Maio, G. R. 2017. Effects of promotion and compunction interventions on real intergroup interactions: promotion helps but high compunction hurts. Frontiers in Psychology 8, article number: 528. (10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00528)
- Whitmarsh, L. and Xenias, D. 2017. CONTAIN: The impact of hydrocarbon depletion on the treatment of caprocks within performance assessment for CO2 injection schemes. Deliverable 9: Recommendations for engaging the public with CCS. Project Report. Keyworth: UKCSS Research Centre.
- Xenias, D. 2017. Public engagement with CCS: barriers, key issues and ways forward. Presented at: European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2017, Vienna, 23–28 April 2017, Vol. 19.
- Stewart, I., Illingworth, S., Xenias, D. and Shaw, N. 2017. Science communication in the age of Brexit and Trump: how to reach the hard to reach. Presented at: European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2017, Vienna, Austria, 8-13 April 2017.
- Xenias, D. and Whitmarsh, L. 2017. Symposium: Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS): perceptions and acceptance. Presented at: International Conference of Environmental Psychology ICEP 2017, A Coruna, Spain, 30 Aug - 1 Sept 2017.
2016
- Xenias, D. 2016. Engaging the public with CCS: learning from experts. Presented at: CCS in the UK: Moving forward, Manchester, UK, 13-14 April 2016.
- Xenias, D. 2016. Summative Evaluation Report: Learning from seven European electric fleets. Project Report. [Online]. eBridge. Available at: http://ebridge-project.eu/images/ebridge/docs/d4-3-summative-report-final-summary-96294.pdf
- Luè, A. et al. 2016. Future priorities for a climate-friendly transport: a European strategic research agenda towards 2030. International Journal of Sustainable Transportation 10(3), pp. 236-246. (10.1080/15568318.2014.893043)
2015
- Whitmarsh, L. and Xenias, D. 2015. Understanding people and cars. In: Nieuwenhuis, P. A. H. F. and Wells, P. E. eds. The Global Automotive Industry. Automotive Series Wiley, pp. 29-40.
- Xenias, D., Axon, C. J., Whitmarsh, L., Connor, P. M., Balta-Ozkan, N. and Spence, A. 2015. UK smart grid development: an expert assessment of the benefits, pitfalls and functions. Renewable Energy 81, pp. 89-102. (10.1016/j.renene.2015.03.016)
- Wells, P. E. and Xenias, D. 2015. From 'freedom of the open road' to 'cocooning': Understanding resistance to change in personal private automobility. Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions 16, pp. 106-119. (10.1016/j.eist.2015.02.001)
- Abdullah, A., Kaiser, P., Kalina, J. and Xenias, D. 2015. eBRIDGE project guidelines. Technical Report.
- Abdulah, A., Kaiser, P., Kalina, J. and Xenias, D. 2015. eBRIDGE Toolkit - Successful operation and promotion of electric fleets in Europe: an insider’s guide. Project Report. [Online]. eBRIDGE. Available at: http://www.ebridge-project.eu/images/ebridge/docs/ebridge-toolkit-rev3-low-82490.pdf
- Xenias, D., Whitmarsh, L. E., Haggar, P. and Skippon, S. 2015. Eco-Driving, habits and vehicle change: influencing driving behaviour in the real world. Presented at: The 11th Biennial Conference in Environmental Psychology, Groningen, The Netherlands, 24-26 August 2015.
- Xenias, D. 2015. Influencing mobility choices and behaviours (symposium). Presented at: The 11th Biennial Conference in Environmental Psychology, Groningen, the Netherlands, 24-26 August, 2015.
2014
- Connor, P. M., Baker, P. E., Xenias, D., Balta-Ozkan, N., Axon, C. J. and Cipcigan, L. 2014. Policy and regulation for smart grids in the United Kingdom. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 40, pp. 269-286. (10.1016/j.rser.2014.07.065)
- Balta-Ozkan, N. et al. 2014. Scenarios for the Development of Smart Grids in the UK: synthesis report. Project Report. [Online]. London: UKERC. Available at: http://www.ukerc.ac.uk/support/tiki-download_file.php?fileId=3562
- Xenias, D. et al. 2014. Scenarios for the development of smart grids in the UK: literature review. Working paper. London: UKERC. Available at: http://www.ukerc.ac.uk/support/tiki-download_file.php?fileId=3510
- Xenias, D. 2014. Potentials and barriers for expanding the use of electric vehicles in the Carmarthenshire County Council fleet. Technical Report.
- Xenias, D. 2014. Expert perceptions of barriers and opportunities for shared electric mobility. Project Report. [Online]. Project eBRIDGE. Available at: http://www.ebridge-project.eu/images/ebridge/docs/ktn-meeting-report-final-layout-reduced.pdf
- Xenias, D. 2014. Focusing on the user: perceptions, expectations and misconceptions about EV's. Presented at: eBRIDGE Conference: Urban eMobility 2020, Berlin, Germany, 7-8 October 2014.
- Xenias, D., Whitmarsh, L. E., Haggar, P. and Skippon, S. 2014. Promoting eco-driving habits: A randomised controlled trial. Presented at: BEHAVE Energy Conference 2014, Oxford University, 3-4 September 2014.
- Piñeiro, C. and Xenias, D. 2014. e-mobility fleet schemes and market potentials in the United Kingdom. Technical Report.
- Xenias, D., Whitmarsh, L. E. and Corner, A. J. 2014. Deconstructing scepticism towards climate change. Presented at: 17th EASP General Meeting, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 9-12 July 2014.
2013
- Xenias, D. 2013. Empowering e-fleets for business and private purposes in cities. Technical Report.
- Xenias, D., Whitmarsh, L. E. and Corner, A. J. 2013. Climate change scepticism: A psychological defence against threatening information?. Presented at: 10th Biennial Conference on Environmental Psychology, Magdeburg, Germany, 22- 25 September 2013.
- Xenias, D. 2013. We have to think of ways to change our attitude to energy use and what we need [Newspaper article]. Wales Online 2013(25 Feb)
- Xenias, D. and Whitmarsh, L. E. 2013. Dimensions and determinants of expert and public attitudes to sustainable transport policies and technologies. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice 48, pp. 75-85. (10.1016/j.tra.2012.10.007)
2012
- Corner, A. J., Whitmarsh, L. E. and Xenias, D. 2012. Uncertainty, scepticism and attitudes towards climate change: biased assimilation and attitude polarisation. Climatic Change 114(3-4), pp. 463-478. (10.1007/s10584-012-0424-6)
- Xenias, D. and Martineau, J. 2012. Getting there: Towards a community based initiative to change travel behaviour in a rural Welsh locality. Project Report. [Online]. Fishguard and Goodwick: Transition Bro Gwaun and Environment Wales. Available at: http://www.environment-wales.org/fileserve/fileserve/1298
- Greenland, K., Xenias, D. and Maio, G. R. 2012. Intergroup anxiety from the self and other: evidence from self-report, physiological effects, and real interactions. European Journal of Social Psychology 42(2), pp. 150-163. (10.1002/ejsp.867)
- Xenias, D. and Whitmarsh, L. E. 2012. Social psychology of sustainable transport. Presented at: 5th International Conference on Traffic and Transport Psychology, Groningen, NL, August 28-31, 2012.
2011
- Whitmarsh, L. E., Corner, A. J. and Xenias, D. 2011. Responding to Climate Change Information: Biased Assimilation and Identity Protection. Presented at: 9th Biennial Conference on Environmental Psychology, Eindhoven, Netherlands, 26-28 September 2011.
- Xenias, D. and Whitmarsh, L. E. 2011. Expert and public attitudes to sustainable transport options. Presented at: 9th Biennieal Conference on Environmental Psychology, Eindhoven, NL, 26-28 September 2011Proceedings of the 9th Biennial Conference of Environmental Psychology.
- Xenias, D. and Whitmarsh, L. E. 2011. Social Psychology of Sustainable Transport. Presented at: 16th General Meeting of the European Association of Social Psychology, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Whitmarsh, L. E. and Xenias, D. 2011. Low-Carbon Transport Research in Europe: What is funded, why, and how?. Presented at: The International Conference on Climate Friendly Transport, Belgrade.
2010
- Xenias, D., Greenland, K. and Maio, G. R. 2010. An investigation on promotion focus intervention for intergroup anxiety. Presented at: BPS Social Psychology Section Annual Conference, Winchester, UK, 7-9 September 2010.
- Xenias, D. and Whitmarsh, L. E. 2010. Measuring support for sustainable transport policies and technologies. Presented at: BPS Social Psychology Section Annual Conference, Winchester, UK.
2008
- Xenias, D., Greenland, K. and Maio, G. R. 2008. Psychophysiological correlates of intergroup anxiety. Presented at: 15th General Meeting of the European Association of Experimental Social Psychology (EAESP), Opatija, Croatia, 10-14 June 2008.
2006
- Xenias, D. 2006. Social context and facial behaviour in video-mediated communication. PhD Thesis, University of Hull.
2005
- Xenias, D. and Kappas, A. 2005. Autonomic activation during a stressful task in varying sociality [Abstract]. Journal of Psychophysiology 19(1), pp. 70-71. (10.1027/0269-8803.19.1.61)
0
- Xenias, D. . Experts' views on engaging the public with CCS. Presented at: SRA-Europe 2016 Conference, Bath, UK, 20-22 June 2016.
- Xenias, D. and Whitmarsh, L. . Learning from experts on public engagement with Carbon Capture and Storage. Presented at: European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2016, Vienna, Austria, 17-22 April 2016Geophysical Research Abstracts, Vol. 18. EGU
- Xenias, D. . UK Smart Grid development: an expert assessment of the benefits, pitfalls and functions. Presented at: Energy Systems Challenges in a World in Transition, Oxford, UK, 22-23 March 2016.
Research topics and related papers
CurrentSummary: Sustainability and travel behaviour. Perceptions of climate risks, and climate change scepticism. Energy related behaviours and energy systems. Behaviour change.
2017-2019: Researcher in CASPI, an ERC funded project on Low-Carbon lifestyles and behavioural spillover.
2015-2017: Researcer in CONTAIN, an ESPRC research project on Carbon Capture and Storage.
2013-2016: I was Co-Investigator in eBRIDGE, an IEE - EU research project on sustainable transport.
2013-2016: Researcher in eBRIDGE, an IEE - EU research project on sustainable transport, with Lorraine Whitmarsh.
2013: I was a co-Investigator in a Welsh Crucible project on public perceptions of water use.
2013: I led a project on influencing drivers’ behaviour to promote eco-driving habits.
2011-2013: I was a co-Investigator in a UKERC project on Scenarios for the development of smart grids in the UK.
2009-2011: I was involved in REACT, an FP7 - EU research project on sustainable transport, with Lorraine Whitmarsh.
Past topics As a postdoctoral researcher, I worked on an ESRC project on Prejudice and Intergroup anxiety, employing various methods including psychophysiology, self report measures, surveys and interviews, with Katy Greenland and Greg Maio.
PhD research: emotion and social psychology; specifically the study of facial expression, emotion and social context with Arvid Kappas. Facial expression is perceived as the most powerful way of communicating one's emotions to others. During my PhD I studied emotional and contextual influences on facial expression.
Funding
2015-2017: CONTAIN, an ESPRC research project on Carbon Capture and Storage.
2013-2016: eBRIDGE empowering e-fleets for business and private purposes in cities.
2013: Shell Promoting eco-driving behaviours. With L. Whitmarsh, S. Skippon.
2012-2013: Welsh Crucible project “All for Water”. A. Mitra, A. Babatunde, J. Kettle, D. Xenias.
2011-2013: UKERC Scenarios for the development of smart grids in the UK. N. Ozkan, G. Taylor, L. Whitmarsh, L. Cipcigan, T. Rodden, A. Spence, P. Connor, C. Mitchell, D. Xenias, S. Bell.
2011-2012: ESRC Centre for Business Relationships Accountability Sustainability and Society (BRASS).
2010: Cardiff University Interdisciplinary activities award for Low-carbon Transport collaboration.
2009-2011: REACT– FP7 project on sustainable transport, with Lorraine Whitmarsh.
2005–2009: ESRC project on Prejudice and Intergroup anxiety, with Katy Greenland and Greg Maio.
2001–2005: Hull University PhD bursary on emotion and facial expression with Arvid Kappas.
Research group
Understanding Risk Group
Social & Environmental Psychology Group
Research collaborators
Adam Corner (Climate Outreach)
Katy Greenland (Social Sciences, Cardiff University)
Arvid Kappas (Psychology, Jacobs University)
Paul Nieuwenhuis (Business School, Cardiff University)
Anja Peters (Fraunhofer ISI, Germany)
Wolfgang Schade (M-Five Scientific Consultancy, Germany)
Steve Skippon (Principal Scientist, Shell)
Ian Walker (Psychology, University of Bath)
Peter Wells (Business School, Cardiff University)
Lorraine Whitmarsh (Psychology, Cardiff University)
Supervision
PhD Supervision
-Conor John - Pro-environmental behaviours of visitors in a National Park