Thomas Suddendorf

Thomas Suddendorf is a Professor in the School of Psychology at the University of Queensland. His research focuses on the mental capacities of young children and animals to explore the evolution of the human mind. He has authored influential books such as The Gap: The Science of What Separates Us From Other Animals and The Invention of Tomorrow, which have been widely acclaimed and translated globally.

His academic journey includes a PhD from the University of Auckland (1998) and a Master’s from the University of Waikato (1994). He holds affiliations with the Early Cognitive Development Centre and the Centre for Psychology and Evolution at UQ.

Suddendorf’s work bridges developmental psychology, evolutionary theory, and comparative cognition. Key themes include mental time travel, foresight, and the cognitive mechanisms underlying human uniqueness. His research has earned awards from the Australian Academy of Social Sciences, Australian Psychological Society, and American Psychological Association.

He collaborates widely, with frequent co-authors including Jonathan Redshaw and Adam Bulley. His studies investigate topics like children’s ability to prepare for future scenarios, the evolutionary origins of creativity, and the role of counterfactual thinking in moral development. Suddendorf is also affiliated with interdisciplinary centers exploring behavioral and economic sciences.