Christophe LOPEZ

Christophe LOPEZ is a Research Director (Directeur de recherche) at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) since October 2023, where he serves as Co-Responsible for the Multisense & Body team. He coordinates the ANR (PRC) "VESTISELF" project and leads the external thematic team "Cortex and Cognition" of the GDR Vertige. Additionally, he is responsible for the South Pole of the Carnot Institute Cognition, overseeing three laboratories: CRPN, LPL, and LIA.

Dr. LOPEZ completed his Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches (Sciences) in 2015. Prior to his current position, he was a Researcher (Chargé de recherche) at CNRS from 2011-2023. He conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Bern (2010-2011) and the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (2006-2009). He earned his PhD from the University of Provence, Marseille (2001-2005).

Dr. LOPEZ's research focuses on vestibular cognitive neuroscience, specifically the vestibular and multisensory bases of bodily self-consciousness, vestibular cortex, vestibular perceptions and somatosensory representations, bodily representations, spatial cognition, self-consciousness, and body consciousness. His work combines approaches from cognitive neuroscience, experimental psychology, and vestibular physiology. He employs a range of techniques including surface EEG, intracranial EEG (in epileptic patients), caloric vestibular stimulation, galvanic vestibular stimulation, vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPS), fMRI, psychophysics, videonystagmography, and posturography.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on understanding how vestibular signals contribute to bodily self-consciousness, spatial cognition, and embodiment. His research spans from fundamental investigations of vestibular processing to clinical applications in vestibular disorders. He has made significant contributions to understanding how vestibular stimulation affects bodily self-perception and spatial cognition in both healthy individuals and patient populations.

Dr. LOPEZ has secured substantial research funding, including as Principal Investigator for the ANR VESTISELF project (2020-2023; 454,727 €), Actions Incitatives FR3C (2019-2020; 6,900 €), and the Career Integration Grant from the FP7 European Union's Marie Curie program "BODILYSELF" (2013-2017; 100,000 euros).

He teaches in the Master's programs at Aix Marseille Université, including "Plasticity of self and body representations" (9h) and "Vestibular contributions to spatial and bodily representations" (3h). He also provides continuing education for medical and paramedical professionals through various university diplomas focusing on vestibular physiology, spatial cognition, and vestibular disorders.