Welcome to the Music in Human and Social Development Research Group
Created and founded by Dr Katie Overy, Prof. Nigel Osborne and Prof. Peter Nelson in 2005, the Music in Human and Social Development Research Group (previously the IMHSD*) brings together researchers, theorists and practitioners from across multiple disciplines including music, psychology, sociology, medicine, informatics, physics, education, linguistics and neuroscience to explore the complex and powerful role of music in human experience.
Currently directed by Dr Katie Overy and based in the Reid School of Music, our aim is to further the scientific understanding and practical application of music as a therapeutic, educational, artistic and social tool. Our work investigates the complexities of human musicality, musical intelligence and musical communication, with the goal of offering new insights into the nature of the human condition and society. We are actively engaged in the implementation of therapeutic, educational and social development programmes involving music and are keen to support the development of innovative interventions in these areas. This work is based on strong links within the community including with schools, orchestras, hospitals, prisons, local authorities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).