Professor Peters, whose book The Chimp Paradox has sold over a million copies, becoming the UK’s all-time bestselling self-help book, will address staff, students, and guests on Monday, 3 November, at the University’s Main Campus in Horsforth. His session will explore practical strategies for recognising and managing emotions to enhance performance, wellbeing, and decision-making. 

In his decades-long career as a consultant psychiatrist, Professor Peters has provided consultancy to over 20 Olympic and national sporting teams — including British Cycling, England Rugby, and Liverpool FC — helping them to understand and manage their minds to achieve good psychological health and ultimately improve performance. 

The keynote will introduce attendees to The Chimp Model, a framework Professor Peters developed to simplify neuroscience and explain how the brain’s instinctive emotional system — “the inner chimp” — interacts with the rational, logical “computer” part of the mind. The model aims to help people manage internal conflict, make clearer decisions, and develop resilience. 

“I believe that emotional management is the cornerstone of success — not only in our professional roles but also in our personal lives,” Professor Peters explained. “The ability to understand and manage our emotions, thoughts, and behaviours determines how well we can perform, relate to others, and handle challenges. If young people can learn these skills early, they’ll be far better equipped to make good decisions, stay resilient, and get the best out of themselves and others as they move through their careers and life.” 

Having received an Honorary Fellowship from the University in recognition of his contributions to psychology and mental health education earlier this year, Professor Peters said he is “looking forward to working with the University and giving what experience and knowledge I can”.

"Working with students is rewarding because they bring fresh perspectives and genuine curiosity. If I can play even a small part in helping them develop their understanding and confidence, then I feel I’ve contributed something worthwhile. I take great pleasure in seeing people realise their potential — particularly when they go on to help others do the same," he added.

Running from Monday 3 to Thursday 6 November, Psychology Week brings together academics, practitioners, and students for four days of talks, workshops, and networking. This year’s programme features speakers including Justin Rollins, author of The Lost Boyz, who will discuss youth crime; Dr Megan Wood, Senior Research Fellow at the Bradford Centre for Health Data Science, who will discuss using data to improve lives in Bradford and beyond; Zahoor Ahmad, Head of Social Mobility, Inclusion and Belonging at Co-op Group, who will lead a session on misinformation and equality; Dr Rufus May, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, who will cover holistic approaches to mental health; and the Open University’s Professor Peter Hegarty, who will discuss the evolution of the field of intersex studies and how this can shape perceptions on sex, gender and diversity. 

The event will also feature expert-led workshops on research methods, employability, and artificial intelligence, as well as a careers fair, research showcase, and student-led sessions designed to inspire future psychologists. 

Dr Michelle Dalton, Deputy Head of Psychology at Leeds Trinity University, said the week gives students the chance to “see psychology come alive.” 

“Psychology Week is about hearing from people who use psychology to create change and imagining where your own psychology journey could lead,” she said. 

Professor Tony Blockley, Head of School of Social Sciences, added: “It’s a showcase of the talent, creativity, and curiosity within our School, and an opportunity for students to connect with professionals who demonstrate the real-world impact of psychology.” 

More information and the full programme of Psychology Week can be found on the Leeds Trinity University website.