Training: Improving methods for selecting & specifying behaviour change techniques

Developing effective behaviour change interventions requires selecting appropriate behaviour change techniques (BCTs), the smallest active intervention components. The BCT Taxonomy v1 has been widely used to specify and define BCTs in interventions. Participants will be introduced to the Behaviour Change Techniques Ontology (BCTO), an updated method of specifying and describing BCTs. Building on the widely used BCT Taxonomy v1, this ontology provides a more comprehensive and precise tool for selecting, specifying and synthesising BCTs. The session will provide guidance to apply the BCTO and its online tools to research and practice, transitioning from taxonomy to ontology. This guidance will include how to use the ontology to select, precisely describe and synthesise information about BCTs. The session will also explore the potential of ontologies for interdisciplinary communication and advanced data analysis.  
 
Date: 22 and 23 October 2025 (half day) 
Time: On Zoom from 12:30-4:30pm (UK time), with 20-minute break each afternoon 
Facilitators: Dr Marta Marques, Dr Paulina Schenk, Dr Maya Braun & Dr Carolina Silva