Valentina Chan’s work explores how language shapes the way people make decisions, particularly in situations involving risk, uncertainty, and moral judgement. Drawing on research in psychology, behavioural science and neuroscience, her PhD focuses on the 'foreign language effect': people show fewer cognitive biases caused by emotions when making decisions in a foreign language as compared to their native languages.

As part of her impact work, Valentina developed a series of interactive decision-making seminars tailored to specific communities. Her collaboration with the Bishop Ho Ming Wah Association for instance, focused on supporting Chinese immigrants in central London understand how language, culture and emotion can shape their decision-making processes.

'Decision-making is deeply personal and situational,' says Valentina. 'Different groups face very different challenges, so I work closely with partner organisations to tailor the content so it’s relevant, culturally sensitive and genuinely useful.'

At the heart of Valentina’s work is a desire to shift how foreign language use is perceived—not as a deficit, but as a potential advantage.