Overview
Background
Morgan Tear is a behavioural scientist with over a decade of experience translating behavioural insights into practical solutions for social policy challenges. He specialises in understanding human behaviour at multiple levels—individual, organisational, and systemic—to design interventions that are well-targeted and more likely to succeed.
Morgan’s expertise spans behavioural science, public policy, applied psychology, and systems thinking. As the inaugural manager of Queensland’s Behavioural Economics and Research Team (BERT), he led the development of the state’s first central agency behavioural insights unit, delivering research-based projects that shaped policy, program design, and reform initiatives.
Morgan collaborates with a diverse range of stakeholders, including policymakers, academics, practitioners, government departments, think tanks, and not-for-profits. He is passionate about advancing best-practice principles for behavioural science, scaling and implementing social innovations, and improving research translation practices to meet the demands of complex policy environments.
Morgan’s work at the Centre for Policy Futures focuses on Work Futures and Economic Security, where he continues to bridge the gap between evidence and implementation.
Availability
- Dr Morgan Tear is:
- Available for supervision
Research impacts
Morgan Tear’s research has shaped policy and practice across behavioural science, public administration, and organisational systems, with growing influence on the future of work and economic security. As Theme Lead for the Work Futures and Economic Security research stream, he applies behavioural insights to real-world challenges such as workforce wellbeing, regulatory compliance, and risk culture—areas central to shaping fair, adaptive, and resilient labour markets.
Morgan’s work on safety culture with international partners such as EUROCONTROL and the OECD has influenced global thinking about organisational behaviour and leadership—contributions that carry critical implications for how work is governed and experienced in high-risk sectors. His research into construction safety policy led to a new practice note issued by the Victorian Building Authority, supporting safer working environments through practical, policy-driven change.
He has also developed frameworks and evidence to improve how organisations approach risk culture, regulatory behaviour, and employee empowerment. His work has been adopted by public and private institutions, including one of Australia’s largest superannuation funds, to strengthen workforce engagement and responsible governance.
Morgan has secured over $2.15 million in Category 2 and 3 research funding, averaging approximately $360,000 per year, reflecting sustained demand for applied behavioural science that supports social and economic outcomes. His research continues to inform how institutions adapt to emerging risks, design inclusive systems, and build long-term economic security for communities and workers.
Works
Search Professor Morgan Tear’s works on UQ eSpace
2009
Conference Publication
Head-mounted displays and multisensory integration: Replications and challenges
Tear, Morgan J., Harrison, William J., Thompson, Matthew B. and Sanderson, Penelope M. (2009). Head-mounted displays and multisensory integration: Replications and challenges. Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 53rd Annual Meeting, San Antonio, Texas, USA, 19-23 October 2009. United States: Human Factors and Ergonomics Society. doi: 10.1518/107118109x12524443345230
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Morgan Tear is:
- Available for supervision
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Media
Enquiries
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