Colin Phillips

Professor Colin Phillips is a Professor of Linguistics at the University of Oxford (since January 2024) and a Professorial Fellow at Somerville College. He previously held a long-term position at the University of Maryland. His research focuses on psycholinguistics, exploring how children learn language structures, cognitive encodings of syntax, and interdisciplinary connections in language science. His work spans areas like linguistic illusions, prediction mechanisms, and the interplay between speaking and comprehension. Phillips advocates for cross-disciplinary collaboration in language studies, bridging fields from education to engineering. He maintains ties with the University of Maryland while returning to Oxford, where he studied medieval German as an undergraduate.

• Education: Undergraduate degree in medieval German at the University of Oxford; 33-year career in the United States.

Research interests include the unconscious complexity of language structures, cognitive neuroscience of language processing, and preparing students for interdisciplinary careers. He leads the Language & Brain Lab and collaborates with teams on topics like syntactic predictions and NPI illusions.

His recent articles emphasize experimental methods (ERP, EEG) and computational modeling, reflecting trends in real-time language processing, bilingualism, and syntax-semantics interaction. While no scientific awards are explicitly listed, his extensive publications highlight significant contributions to psycholinguistics and syntax research.

Advising and grants: Phillips mentors students through interdisciplinary projects and promotes public engagement with language science. Labs and teams include collaborations with the Language & Brain Lab and the Romance Linguistics department.