Petroc SumnerView profile
Professor
Dr. Petroc Sumner is a Professor in the School of Psychology at Cardiff University, where he has been employed since 2006. His research focuses on the relationship between perception and action, particularly how visual signals trigger actions and how behavior is controlled to prevent reflexive responses when unwanted. He leads research using behavioral measures, eye tracking, fMRI, and MEG to investigate these mechanisms in both healthy volunteers and patients. BA in Natural Sciences, 1st Class, University of Cambridge (1996) PhD, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Cambridge (2000) Diploma of Imperial College, London, in Advanced Study in Learning and Teaching (2003) Professor Sumner's research examines how automatic sensorimotor behavior is controlled in health and disease, with particular interest in how visual signals that may not be consciously perceived can trigger actions. His work investigates why people differ in basic behavioral control mechanisms, which can be disrupted by brain damage, degeneration, or mental disorders. He also explores decision-making processes related to eye movements and investigates why everyday perception appears immune to visual distortions and imperfections introduced by our eyes and visual system. His recent publication record demonstrates a strong focus on visual hypersensitivity, vestibular disorders (particularly Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness), and the intersection of technology with psychological research. His work spans from fundamental cognitive neuroscience to applied clinical research, with increasing emphasis on developing technological solutions for rehabilitation and assessment. The research shows a clear trajectory toward translational applications while maintaining strong theoretical grounding in cognitive and perceptual processes. David Marr Medal, Applied Vision Association Professor Sumner has supervised numerous PhD students including James Harrison and currently supervises Rebecca Oates. His research has been supported by substantial grants from ESRC, Wellcome Trust, BBSRC, and other funding bodies totaling over £1 million. His work on science communication, particularly regarding the relationship between academic press releases and health news reporting, has received significant attention. He is part of the CUBRIC (Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre) team and collaborates extensively both within Cardiff University and with external institutions including UCL, John Hopkins, and others internationally. Professor Sumner leads research teams investigating sensorimotor control, visual perception, and decision-making processes. His laboratory integrates behavioral testing with advanced neuroimaging techniques through collaborations with Cardiff's imaging facilities. He is part of the insciout.com project investigating communication between scientists and journalists, particularly regarding health-related research. His research group includes collaborators such as Aline Bompas, Chris Chambers, and Georgina Powell, with whom he has published extensively on visual processing, attention, and motor control.
