Mark Johnson

Mark Johnson is a Professor of Psychology and Associate Director of the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development at Birkbeck, University of London. His research focuses on developmental cognitive neuroscience, particularly the functional brain development in infants and children, with a strong emphasis on autism spectrum disorders (ASD). He has held academic positions at institutions including the University of Cambridge, Carnegie Mellon University, and the Medical Research Council (MRC) Cognitive Development Unit. His work integrates methodologies from neuroscience, psychology, and genetics to understand how brain regions like the prefrontal cortex and social brain networks develop.

Johnson's research highlights the 'interactive specialization' theory, emphasizing how brain regions become specialized through experience. He leads collaborative projects such as the Autism Baby Siblings Research Program, investigating early ASD biomarkers. Key achievements include the Queen's Anniversary Prize (2006), election as a Fellow of the British Academy (2011), and recognition for contributions to cognitive science. His lab is funded by the UK Medical Research Council, and he co-founded the Centre for Brain & Cognitive Development at Birkbeck.

His studies span neural mechanisms in social perception, attention, and atypical development, using techniques like EEG, fNIRS, and behavioral assessments. Collaborations with global research groups enhance the scope of his work, addressing questions from early brain development to clinical applications in neurodevelopmental disorders.