Dr. Rachel Colls is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at Durham University and a Fellow of the Institute for Medical Humanities. Her research focuses on geographies of the body, feminist theories of embodiment, obesity critiques, consumption practices, and clothing. She has published extensively on bodily politics, fat activism, and public health discourses. PhD & MA in Geography (University of Sheffield) Her work interrogates the sociomaterialities of fat bodies, bodily governance through BMI metrics, and affective experiences in retail and educational spaces. Recent publications address air travel accessibility and feminist pedagogies. She supervises postgraduate students and collaborates on interdisciplinary projects concerning bodily rights and health policies. Key article trends include critical obesity studies, feminist interventions in human geography, and the politics of bodily representation across spatial contexts. She employs qualitative methodologies informed by Judith Butler, Elisabeth Grosz, and non-representational theory. Supervised: Rosie Haffenden (MRes)
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.
Rebecca Barnes is an Associate Professor and NIHR Fellow at the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford . With over 90 peer-reviewed publications, she is an internationally recognized expert in conversation analysis (CA) applied to primary care communication. Her research spans 20 years across Medical Schools at Plymouth, Exeter, and Bristol before joining Oxford in 2020. She also holds an honorary appointment as a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Bristol . Education: BSc (Hons), PgDip., PhD Her research focuses on addressing professional/practical problems in primary care through CA methods. Current projects include PRIMA (NIHR-funded), OSCAR (pharmacist-led medication reviews), and SHIP (hypertension self-management). She also leads research on touch/affect in healthcare interactions funded by the Academy of Finland . Recent publications highlight trends in antimicrobial risk communication , structured medication reviews , and patient safety in out-of-hours care. Key projects like the NIHR SPCR Bristol Archive have created reusable datasets of primary care consultations. Scientific Awards: NIHR Fellow; Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Bristol Rebecca actively mentors pre-doctoral fellowship candidates , DPhil students , and NIHR Fellows interested in CA methods. She contributes to teaching via Oxford Qualitative Courses and co-founded the International Society for Conversation Analysis (ISCA) clinical encounter meetings.
Randy Bruno is Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Oxford, where he serves as a Tutorial Fellow at St Peter's College. He leads the Bruno Group within the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics (DPAG) in the Medical Sciences Division. His research focuses on understanding cortical microcircuitry and computation, particularly how different layers of the neocortex contribute to sensory perception, learning, and decision making. Bruno's lab primarily uses the rodent whisker-barrel system as a model to investigate these questions, as rodents rely predominantly on whisker-mediated touch to explore their world. The lab employs a multidisciplinary approach combining intracellular physiology, cellular imaging, optogenetics, computational modeling, and behavioral experiments. Recent publications (2021-2024) demonstrate a strong focus on dendritic computation, attentional mechanisms, cross-sensory integration, and the roles of different cortical layers in sensory processing and learning. His work spans from basic neural mechanisms to potential implications for understanding mental disorders that affect cortical circuits. The Bruno Group includes multiple postdoctoral researchers, research assistants, and graduate students working collaboratively. Current team members include Madison Bartley, Dahee Jang, Candice Lee, Ziyue Liu, Katy Willard, Hadas Sloin, Isabella Febbo, and Soumen Jana. His publications have received significant attention across academic and social media platforms, with multiple papers highlighted by news outlets and shared widely among researchers.
Dr Ned Barker is a Lecturer in Digital Culture and Technology at King’s College London’s Department of Digital Humanities, affiliated with the Digital Futures Institute. He holds a Leverhulme Early Career Research Fellowship (2021-24) leading the 'Biohybrid Bodies' project exploring biohybrid systems’ societal impacts. Previously, he was a Senior Research Fellow at UCL, contributing to the ERC-funded InTouch project on digital touch. His research bridges sociology, robotics, and sensory ethnography, focusing on human-technology embodiment. Education: BSc Sports Coaching Science, MRes Social Science Research Methods, PhD Sociology of Education (King’s College London). Teaching focuses on digital cultures, datafication, and ethics of emerging technologies. Research interests include biohybrid robotics, human-robot interaction, and interdisciplinary methodologies. Notable collaborations include co-created multi-sensory artworks with artist Joana Burd exhibited globally. Public engagement includes organizing events at the International Conference on Multimodality. Awards include the Leverhulme Fellowship and contributions to interdisciplinary research manifestos addressing scholarly uncertainties. His work intersects with UN SDGs on innovation and ethical technology deployment.
Dr Steve Cooke is an Associate Professor of Political Theory at the University of Leicester, affiliated with the School of History Politics and International Relations. His research focuses on duties to nonhuman animals, ethical status of political disobedience, and cosmopolitan ethics. He holds a PhD in Politics from the University of Manchester and was awarded the Society for Applied Philosophy’s 30th Anniversary Research Fellowship (2012) for work on violence in defense of animals and the environment. Education: B.A. Politics (Open University), M.A. Human Rights (University of Manchester), PhD Politics (University of Manchester) Research interests include animal ethics, environmental justice, civil disobedience, and the moral imagination. He explores intersections between political theory and applied ethics, particularly regarding nonhuman animals and ecological systems. His work addresses topics like habitat rights, interspecies justice, and ethical dilemmas in animal agriculture. Key publications examine animal liberation strategies, nuclear deterrence ethics, and cosmopolitan approaches to global justice. His writing critiques state and corporate practices impacting nonhuman life while advocating for expanded ethical frameworks. Awards: Society for Applied Philosophy Research Fellowship (2012) Dr Cooke’s grants and supervision focus on interdisciplinary ethical research. He teaches courses on political theory and has contributed to public debates on animal rights through media engagement.
Stergios Makris is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Deputy Director at the Research Centre for Arts and Wellbeing. He holds a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience from City, University of London (2012). His research focuses on cognitive and social neuroscience, with emphasis on neuromodulation techniques (TMS/tDCS), motor-cognitive interactions, and psychological interventions for mental health. He is a Fellow of both the Higher Education Academy and the British Psychological Society. His work bridges neuroscience, social psychology, and applied clinical domains such as autism spectrum disorder caregiving and vaccine hesitancy. Key contributions include studies on fear extinction learning mechanisms, neurophysiological underpinnings of social perception, and dance movement psychotherapy outcomes for caregiver wellbeing. Research interests include: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) applications in cognitive neuroscience Social perception and implicit bias mechanisms Motor resonance and affective touch processing Psychological interventions for autism caregivers Cognitive neuroscience of decision-making in health behaviors Major achievements include: Over 30 peer-reviewed publications spanning neuroscience and psychology journals Pioneering work on vaccine hesitancy neurocognitive profiles Development of dance movement psychotherapy programs for special needs populations Active in international collaborations across Europe and North America Current projects involve investigating: Neuroplasticity mechanisms in aging populations Therapeutic applications of neuromodulation in addiction Cultural dimensions of health perception and decision-making
Dr. Zhong Jian Chee is a Research Fellow at the University of Aberdeen's School of Psychology , focusing on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and cross-cultural studies. Current projects explore affective touch, haptic perception, and the cognitive impacts of music. Specializes in autism spectrum traits, bilingualism, and psychometric validation across cultures. Research Trends: Recent publications highlight systematic reviews of music's effects on cognition, cross-cultural adaptations of autism assessment tools, and behavioral responses to affective obstacles. Collaborations: Works with international teams in Malaysia, the Netherlands, and the UK, emphasizing multilingual and multicultural psychological research.
Dr Charlie Dannreuther is a Lecturer in European Political Economy at the University of Leeds' School of Politics and International Studies, part of the Faculty of Social Sciences. He holds a PhD from the University of Manchester (1996) and a Dip Cert in Education (2014). His research focuses on EU politics, Brexit, SME policy, and the intersection of capitalist processes with human subjectivity. Notable projects include analyzing the political economy of the seaside and co-authoring work linking EU policies to historical slavery frameworks. He chairs a European network on financial crisis causes and explores value theory through unconventional methods like 'swim-along' interviews. Dr Dannreuther has held roles as Research Ethics Officer and Widening Participation lead at Leeds. His work bridges academia and policy, influencing UK government responses and FCO initiatives. His teaching emphasizes real-world engagement, including a module partnering students with civic organizations across Leeds. He is affiliated with EAEPE for its pluralistic approach and contributed to projects enhancing trade union capacity in Turkey. Research interests include the emotional dimensions of political behavior, post-crash value production, and systemic critiques of mainstream economics. He critiques the representation of small businesses in political discourse and explores omitted societal elements like care work and seaside economies. His recent work interrogates how subjective identities shape political economies, particularly through themes of touch, desire, and value.
Ellen Sampson is an artist and material culture researcher at Northumbria University, specializing in the intersection of clothing and bodily experience. She holds a PhD from the Royal College of Art and has held prestigious fellowships including the Polaire Weissman Fellowship at the Costume Institute (2018/19) and Professorial Fellowship at the University for the Creative Arts (2019/20). Her work explores how garments document lived experiences through film, photography, and writing. Education: PhD in Fashion (Royal College of Art, 2016), MA in Anthropology (2009), BSc (Hons) (2003). Research focuses include: The Afterlives of Clothes: Examining damaged garments in museum collections through auto-ethnographic methods. Curative Things: Investigating wearable objects' roles in health and medical humanities. Enclothed Knowledges: Analyzing practice-based research in fashion studies. Professional Contributions: Co-founder of the Fashion Research Network (FRN), fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in fashion studies. Active in organizing conferences and supervising PhD students exploring topics like familial sensory postmemories and aging through clothing. Awards: Recognized through fellowships and contributions to the field, including her impactful work on material culture and embodied experience.
Asifa Majid is a Professor of Cognitive Science and Fellow of St Hugh's College at the University of Oxford. Her research focuses on how language, culture, and experience shape human cognition, with special attention to olfaction, perception, and cross-cultural differences. She leads studies investigating the interplay between linguistic diversity, sensory experience, and conceptualization, employing field experiments, linguistic analyses, and ethnographic methods. Key research areas include odor categorization, color perception, and the role of language in structuring thought. Her work challenges universality assumptions by revealing culturally specific cognitive patterns. She is affiliated with the Culture, Language & Cognition research group at Oxford. Recent publications emphasize global scientific collaboration, sensory diversity, and the impact of visual/olfactory environments on cognition. Her studies highlight how different cultural contexts influence semantic frameworks, with implications for theories of mind, language evolution, and cognitive universals. Notably, her lab explores the under-researched senses of smell and touch, advocating for inclusive, cross-cultural methodologies in cognitive science. While no formal advisees are listed, her mentorship is evident through collaborative projects and interdisciplinary teams advancing sensory and linguistic research. Labs/Teams: Majid heads a research group at the University of Oxford focused on language and sensory perception, integrating linguistic, psychological, and anthropological approaches to study cognition across cultures.
Dr. Jen Edwards is Assistant Professor in the Department of English and Comparative Literary Studies at the University of Warwick, joining in September 2023. She has previously taught at The Queen’s College, Oxford, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Royal Holloway, University of London, reflecting a strong interdisciplinary and performance-oriented academic profile. Research Interests: Her work bridges early modern literature, medicine, and philosophy, with a central focus on emotion, embodiment, and consciousness. She investigates how literature contributes to early modern understandings of mental interiority and subjectivity, particularly in states of distraction, ecstasy, and emotional disturbance. Her research extends to modern Shakespearean performance, affect, and environmental embodiment. Recent Publications and Research Trends: Her recent publications reveal a consistent engagement with altered states of consciousness in Shakespeare, including ecstasy, distraction, and out-of-body experiences. These works span literary analysis, medical humanities, and performance studies, showing a strong interdisciplinary trajectory. Her 2023 monograph This Distracted Globe exemplifies her focus on cognitive and sensory engagement in theatrical spaces. Honors and Research Support: Research supported by The Huntington Library (California) Supported by Osler Library of the History of Medicine (Montreal) Supported by TORCH (Oxford) Teaching and Collaborative Work: She teaches courses on Shakespearean text and performance and European theatre. She has collaborated with biologists at Oxford on interdisciplinary projects examining fainting and illness in Shakespeare’s theatre, demonstrating a commitment to cross-disciplinary scholarship. She is currently working on a book titled Ecstatic Subjects and a new introduction to Shakespeare’s narrative poems for Oxford World’s Classics. Labs and Research Groups: While no formal lab is mentioned, her affiliations with TORCH (The Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities) and collaborative projects with science departments indicate active participation in interdisciplinary research networks focused on performance, cognition, and medical humanities.
Dr. Luigi Tamè is a Senior Lecturer in Cognitive Neuroscience and Director of Placements at the School of Psychology, University of Kent. His research focuses on sensory perception and sensory-motor interactions, particularly examining the sense of touch, its interactions with other senses, and how the brain represents and processes tactile information. Dr. Tamè's primary research interests include: Physiology of the sense of touch in healthy individuals Neural basis of body representation Multisensory integration between vision and touch Development of body knowledge during early life Application of neuroimaging techniques (fMRI, MEG, EEG, TMS) to study somatosensation His research employs a combination of psychophysics and neuroimaging techniques to define the behavioral and neural correlates of sensory phenomena. Recent work has explored tactile space representation, body schema, and the interaction between touch and other sensory modalities. Dr. Tamè's publications reveal a consistent focus on how the brain processes tactile information across different body parts and how this processing is influenced by spatial factors, multisensory integration, and developmental stages. His most recent articles (2023-2025) examine visual perceptual learning in different spatial contexts, stability of tactile representations, and the role of somatosensation in emotion processing. Dr. Tamè has received several prestigious awards including: CIMeC Young Researcher Award (2017) Reviewer Lottery Winner, Cognitive Neuropsychology (2016) Best Paper Award, Italian Association of Psychology (2015) Young Researcher Award, Italian Association of Psychology (2013) Marie Curie Individual Fellowship (2011-2014) As a supervisor, Dr. Tamè currently mentors three PhD students: Carmen Lenatti (ESRC SEDarc 3.5 funding), Louisa Gwynne (ESRC SeNSS 1+3 funding), and George Rhodes (School of Architecture and Planning). His previous PhD student, Antonio Zafarana, completed his degree in 2023. Dr. Tamè has secured multiple research grants, including funding from EPSRC, University of Kent, and international institutions totaling over £64,000 and €41,000 in the last two years alone, supporting work on touch perception, sensory-motor integration, and multisensory processing. Dr. Tamè contributes to the academic community as an editorial board member for Scientific Reports and as a peer reviewer for numerous grant funders including MRC, ESRC, and the Swiss National Science Foundation, as well as journals including the Journal of Neuroscience, Current Biology, and NeuroImage.
Puja Varsani is an academic staff member at Middlesex University , affiliated with the Design Engineering & Mathematics school. Her research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction , Social Robotics , and Affective Computing , with a particular emphasis on integrating sensorial feedback into interactive systems and robotics. Her recent publications highlight two key areas: (1) the role of affective touch in enhancing social robotics, and (2) the use of robotics as educational tools for teaching computer science fundamentals. These works reflect her interdisciplinary approach combining design engineering principles with cognitive and educational considerations. While no specific scientific awards or student advising records are documented in the provided text, her contributions to research outputs demonstrate engagement with cutting-edge HCI and robotics technologies. Her current work appears to focus on bridging emotional and tactile elements in machine interactions.
Professor Carey Jewitt is a leading academic in digital communication and multimodal interaction, holding a position at the UCL Knowledge Lab within the IOE - Faculty of Education and Society. Her work explores how digital technologies reshape touch, interaction, and learning. She leads the ERC-funded IN-TOUCH project investigating digital touch communication and previously directed the MODE project advancing multimodal research methods. Jewitt’s research spans education, healthcare, and industry, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration across computer science, sociology, and the arts. Key roles include Chair of UCL’s Collaborative Social Science Domain and Director of the UCL Knowledge Lab. She has authored foundational texts like Introducing Multimodality (2016) and secured prestigious grants from the ERC and ESRC. Her work bridges theory and practice, addressing societal impacts of digital touch in healthcare, education, and everyday life. Research interests focus on multimodal communication, digital touch, sensory ethnography, and educational technology. Notable outputs include studies on tactile emoticons, industrial robotics, and pandemic-era remote touch practices. She collaborates with engineers, designers, and artists to develop innovative methodologies, such as combining ethnography with haptic prototyping. Awards include the ERC Consolidator Grant and UK Research Council Academic Fellowship. Her lab’s work addresses ethical and design challenges in emerging touch technologies while advocating for inclusive, multimodal approaches to digital interaction.
