Alastair Smith

Alastair Smith is an Associate Professor in Psychology at the University of Plymouth, leading the School of Psychology as Deputy Head and directing the Cognition and Behaviour Lab within the Brain Research and Imaging Centre (BRIC). His research focuses on spatial cognition, including navigation, spatial representation, and developmental/clinical aspects of spatial abilities across populations like those with Hydrocephalus, Williams Syndrome, and Autism. Methods include virtual reality, GPS tracking, and transcranial electrical stimulation.

Teaching responsibilities include modules on Cognitive Psychology, Environmental Psychology, and research projects at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He also oversees the Mind and Brain theme at the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research (PIHR).

Research interests span spatial navigation deficits in clinical populations, neuropsychological drawing analysis, and the integration of technology (e.g., VR) for cognitive assessment. His work bridges laboratory and real-world applications, emphasizing ecological validity in spatial cognition studies.

Notable contributions include studies on spatial learning in virtual environments, the role of landmarks, and the neural mechanisms underlying spatial memory. His lab explores both typical and atypical development, with a focus on aging and neurodevelopmental conditions.