Jon Simons

Jon Simons is a Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience and Head of the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Cambridge. He leads the Memory Laboratory in the Department of Psychology, focusing on brain regions involved in human memory. He holds a fellowship at Emmanuel College and has served as Deputy Head of the School before his current role. His academic background includes a Psychology degree from the University of Aberdeen, a PhD from the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit (Cambridge), and a postdoctoral position at Harvard University. He later held a senior research fellowship at UCL. His research is funded by UKRI (BBSRC/ESRC/MRC), Isaac Newton Trust, and others.

• Research interests: Human memory, fMRI, neuropsychology, executive function, aging-related cognitive decline.
• Key achievements: Over 100 peer-reviewed publications, editorial roles at Science Advances, and awards including the EPS Prize and McDonnell Scholar Award.
• Leadership: Chairs the School Council and sits on the University’s senior leadership team.

His lab investigates neural mechanisms of memory precision, reality monitoring, and hallucinations. Recent studies explore paracingulate sulcus morphology’s link to psychosis, angular gyrus contributions to memory, and age-related cognitive changes. He employs advanced neuroimaging techniques and computational models to analyze brain structure-function relationships.

• Highlighted projects: Long-term memory precision in aging, neural correlates of hallucinations, and cognitive interventions against misinformation.

Scientific awards include recognition for his work on memory disorders, cognitive neuroscience, and interdisciplinary contributions. He actively advises PhD students and collaborates with global institutions, emphasizing translational research to address mental health challenges.

• Grants: Major funding from Wellcome Trust, Leverhulme Trust, and EU initiatives.
• Publications: Focused on memory systems, prefrontal cortex roles, and neuroimaging methodological advancements.