Erik Reichle, Professor of Cognitive Psychology and member of the Centre for Vision and Cognition Research Group has been appointed Head of Psychology. He takes over from Professor Nick Donnelly, who held the post for ten years.
Professor Reichle’s research uses techniques of computational modelling, eye-movement experiments, and brain imaging. It aims to understand the perceptual, cognitive, and motor processes involved in reading, and he has authored more than 60 articles on these topics in leading international journals. His book, Computational Models of Reading, will be published in the coming year.
Of his research, Erik said:
“It is vital to understand more about reading because it is the most important skill for people to develop in literate societies.”
“We now have a critical mass of academics in this specialism at Southampton and are well positioned to make breakthroughs in understanding what determines what happens in the mind of a reader when they are reading sentences on a page or online.”
Psychologists at the University work in three divisions: Clinical Neuroscience, Cognition and Human Wellbeing. Recent research projects include improving the quality of life for children with Attention Deficit Disorder, improving the effectiveness of security screening in airports and warzones and improving quality of life for people suffering from dizziness and balance disorders.
After being appointed to the new position, Erik said:
“My aim is to build on Nick’s fantastic achievements and continue to grow this exciting department at Southampton as a world-leading centre of Psychology.”