David J. Wilcox's research focuses on how individuals, their perceptions and their relationships shape the development of diplomatic initiatives.  To date, David has explored the development of unofficial diplomatic initiatives (such as Track II and Track 1.5 dialogues) into official diplomatic processes, specifically examining the historical case study of 1992-1993 Oslo Channel between Israel and Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO). In particular, David looked at the process by which perceptions, developed in the face-to-face interactions between Israelis and Palestinians in the Oslo Channel,  were transferred to decision-makers not involved in those interactions. 

David's theoretical work is draw extensively on interdisciplinary research on perceptions and relationships, using concepts such as trustworthiness, confidence, trust, distrust and empathy to examine both unofficial and official diplomacy at the highest level in contemporary adversarial relations and intractable conflict. 

David has also been involved in pedagogical innovation around Playful Learning and the use of LEGO (other brands are available) in teaching complex concepts within Political Science and International Relations. 

David J. Wilcox completed his PhD at the University of Birmingham in 2023-2024 under Professor Nicholas J. Wheeler and Professor Asaf Siniver. 

During his PhD and since, David has worked for the University of Birmingham in a number of roles including Postgraduate Teaching Associate (PGTA), Part-Time Teaching Fellow (PTTF), Postgraduate Taught (PGT) Recruitment Assistant, Research Assistant, Dissertation Supervisor and is currently an Assistant Professor (Education). From 2018-2025, David also served as an Exam Invigilator for the Community Academies Trust.