Seán Commins

Seán Commins is a Professor and Deputy Head of the Department of Psychology at Maynooth University, part of the Faculty of Science & Engineering. He holds affiliations with the Human Health Institute and ALL Institute. His academic journey includes a PhD from Trinity College Dublin (1999), followed by roles as Lecturer (2001), Senior Lecturer (2008), and Professor (2020).

Research focuses on behavioral neuroscience, spatial navigation, long-term memory formation (hippocampus/entorhinal cortex), cognitive deficits post-stroke, and driving behavior-cognition interactions. Collaborations include Tallaght Hospital for stroke recovery studies and driving safety assessments. He leads projects like NavWell (spatial learning tools) and explores gait/falling risks in elderly and stroke patients.

Publications span over 80 neuroscience articles, including work on spatial learning, stroke rehabilitation, and aging cognition. Awards include the Presidential Early Career Award (2005) and Noel Hickey Research Award (2011). Currently advises 2 PhD and 1 MSc student, with 13 PhD graduates. Professional roles include Neuroscience Ireland committee membership.

Grants secured from Science Foundation Ireland, Health Research Board, and Irish Research Councils (Science/Engineering and Humanities). Research emphasizes molecular mechanisms of memory, neural underpinnings of cognitive deficits, and clinical applications of cognitive assessment tools.

Labs/teams involve interdisciplinary collaborations in neuroimaging, driving simulation, and behavioral neuroscience. Future work targets translational research linking cognitive neuroscience to clinical interventions for aging and neurodegenerative disorders.