His research has developed a social and culturally sensitive psychology that focuses on unfolding processes rather than static outcomes, particularly with regards to constructive remembering.
In addition to his work on culture and memory, he has recently been studying people's understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic (including vaccination decision making) and has started a project exploring the 'romantic roots' of developmental psychology in holistic German thought.
In 2012, he received a 20 million DKK grant from the Danish Basic Research Fund, which started the "Niels Bohr Centre for Cultural Psychology".
In 2016 he received a grant of 12.6 million DKK by the Obelske Familiefond for the project "The Culture of Grief" (led by Svend Brinkmann).
[7] Wagoner has held a visiting professorship in Brazil, Chile, France, Spain and the Netherlands, and is a recipient of a number of research awards.