Manuel Schabus

Manuel Schabus is a University Professor of Psychology at the University of Salzburg, specializing in sleep research, consciousness studies, and cognitive neuroscience. With over 403 publications and numerous ongoing research projects through 2027, he leads significant work in understanding sleep mechanisms and developing innovative sleep interventions. His research spans from fundamental neuroscience to practical applications for sleep disorders.

Professor Schabus's work focuses on the intersection of sleep, brain activity, and cognitive functions, with particular expertise in EEG analysis and sleep architecture. His research explores how sleep affects memory consolidation, emotional regulation, and overall mental health. He has pioneered digital approaches to sleep assessment and intervention, including mobile applications and online therapy platforms that make evidence-based sleep treatments accessible to broader populations.

His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward digital sleep medicine, with multiple studies on AI-enhanced wearables, mobile CBT-I applications, and personalized sleep optimization strategies. The research spans from fundamental neuroscience (examining prediction-related signals during sleep) to applied interventions (including specialized programs for Ukrainian refugees and shift workers).

• Franz Gerstenbrand Wachkoma Award 2020
• Kurt-Zopf-Förderpreis 2018
• START-Preis 2014

Professor Schabus manages numerous research grants totaling millions in funding, with current projects including the Virtual Sleep Laboratory (2024-2027), Sleep2Optimize, and specialized interventions for shift workers and Ukrainian refugees. He actively mentors junior researchers and collaborates internationally across multiple institutions. His work bridges laboratory research with real-world applications, as evidenced by his frequent media appearances discussing practical sleep optimization strategies for the general public.

He leads the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Salzburg, where his team operates both traditional sleep laboratories and develops digital sleep assessment tools. The research group combines expertise in neuroscience, psychology, computer science, and clinical medicine to tackle sleep-related challenges from multiple angles, with a strong emphasis on translating research findings into practical interventions that improve sleep health in diverse populations.