Charles Spence

Charles Spence is Professor of Experimental Psychology at the University of Oxford and Fellow of Somerville College, where he heads the Crossmodal Research Laboratory. His work bridges cognitive neuroscience with real-world applications in multisensory design, spanning food science, human-computer interaction, and environmental psychology.

Spence's research centers on how the brain integrates sensory inputs (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell) to form unified perceptual experiences. This foundational work drives innovations in sensory marketing, product design, and human factors engineering, with significant implications for optimizing everyday interactions with technology and environments. His approach combines rigorous laboratory experimentation with industry collaborations to translate theoretical insights into practical solutions.

Recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward applied crossmodal research, particularly in consumer contexts. His 2025 output reveals growing emphasis on digital commerce environments, nature-food perception interactions, and multisensory flavor enhancement—showcasing how sensory cues can be strategically deployed to influence behavior in retail, dining, and digital platforms.

His major recognitions include:

• 10th Experimental Psychology Society Prize
• British Psychology Society Cognitive Section Award
• Paul Bertelson Award (Young European Cognitive Psychologist of the Year)
• Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award
• 2008 IG Nobel Prize for Nutrition (for 'sonic crisp' research)

Spence maintains extensive industry partnerships, having consulted for Toyota on multisensory warning systems, ICI on environmental psychology, and Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck restaurant on culinary innovation. His research attracts significant commercial funding through these collaborations, though specific grant details aren't publicly itemized.

The Crossmodal Research Laboratory operates as an interdisciplinary hub where psychologists, neuroscientists, and industry partners investigate sensory integration mechanisms. Current projects focus on optimizing driver alert systems, designing immersive food experiences, and understanding how built environments affect cognitive performance—maintaining Spence's legacy of translating basic science into tangible human benefits.