Anthony Lambert

Professor Anthony Lambert is a distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of Auckland's Faculty of Science, where he has maintained an academic position since 1988 with his current appointment extending until December 31, 2029. His research program focuses on visual attention and perception, particularly examining the functional distinctions between dorsal and ventral visual streams. Lambert has made seminal contributions to cognitive neuroscience through his development of the unified model of vision and attention, which explains how spatial landmark cues recruit dorsal stream processing while identity cues rely on ventral stream processing. His work bridges theoretical cognitive psychology with practical applications in areas ranging from accident prevention to stress recovery mechanisms.

• PhD, University of Leicester, United Kingdom (1977-1981)

Professor Lambert's primary research interests center on visual attention mechanisms and sensory imagery processing. He has pioneered research on the relationship between aphantasia (lack of visual imagery) and anauralia (lack of auditory imagery), coining the latter term to describe this previously unnamed phenomenon. His work on the unified model of vision and attention has been particularly influential, demonstrating how different visual processing pathways contribute to attentional orienting. Additional research areas include the cognitive mechanisms of thought suppression, the role of eye tracking in educational contexts, and the psychological and physiological effects of nature exposure on stress recovery. His multidisciplinary approach integrates methods from behavioral psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and educational technology.

Professor Lambert's publication record reveals a consistent trajectory of theoretical development and empirical validation in visual attention research. His most impactful work has centered on developing and testing the unified model of vision and attention through both behavioral paradigms and neurophysiological measurements (EEG). Over time, his research has expanded from fundamental attentional mechanisms to applied domains including accident prevention, sensory imagery disorders, and stress recovery. A notable recent contribution is the conceptualization of "anauralia" to describe the absence of auditory imagery, complementing existing research on aphantasia. His work increasingly demonstrates cross-disciplinary reach, with collaborations spanning psychology, art, education, and environmental science.

Professor Lambert serves as an accredited PhD supervisor at the University of Auckland, mentoring graduate students in cognitive psychology and neuroscience. While specific grant details aren't provided in the available records, his extensive publication record spanning three decades suggests successful acquisition of research funding to support his laboratory work. His research program appears to involve substantial collaborative efforts, as evidenced by his numerous co-authored publications across multiple disciplines.

Professor Lambert has been actively involved in interdisciplinary collaborations, particularly evident in the "Eyetrackers" exhibitions that bridge art and neuroscience. His research program utilizes both behavioral testing facilities and neurophysiological equipment (EEG) at the University of Auckland. His work with eye tracking technology has fostered collaborations across traditional academic boundaries, connecting cognitive psychology with art education and environmental psychology.