Michael Christian Leitner

Michael Christian Leitner serves as Head of Research & Transfer Services and External Lecturer in Information Technologies and Digitalisation at Salzburg University of Applied Sciences. With dual PhDs in Psychology and Communication Science from the University of Salzburg, he bridges academic research with practical applications in neuropsychology and sports psychology.

• PhD in Psychology (University of Salzburg, 2021)
• Master in Psychology (University of Salzburg, 2016)
• Bachelor in Psychology (University of Salzburg, 2014)
• PhD in Communication Science (University of Salzburg, 2012)
• Master in Communication Science (University of Salzburg, 2009)
• Bachelor in Communication Science (University of Salzburg, 2007)
• Master in Telecommunication & Media (St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences, 2005)

Leitner's research spans three primary domains: neuropsychological rehabilitation for visual field defects after stroke, sport psychological effects of crowd absence during the COVID-19 pandemic (ghost games), and social engineering/cybersecurity. His innovative work combines eye-tracking technology, virtual reality interventions, and psychological assessment to address complex rehabilitation challenges and understand human behavior in high-pressure sports environments. The Salzburg Visual Field Trainer (SVFT), his VR-based rehabilitation system, represents a significant advancement over traditional stationary and unreliable visual restitution therapies.

His publication record reveals a clear thematic progression from neuropsychological rehabilitation methods toward analyzing the psychological impacts of pandemic conditions on sports. The COVID-19 pandemic created a unique natural experiment for studying home advantage phenomena, resulting in multiple publications examining referee decisions, player behavior, and emotional responses in empty stadiums. His most recent work integrates eye-tracking with social science methodology to assess memory-related response variability.

• Science award (2022)
• Young Investigators Award (2022)

Leitner has secured funding for significant research projects including 'The Psychological Impact of Ghost Games in Football during the COVID-19 Pandemic' (2020-2030) and 'Advanced Perimetry for the Evaluation of Neuroplasticity in the Visual Cortex' (2018-2023). His collaborative network spans multiple institutions with strong connections to the University of Salzburg's Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience. He actively engages with the public through media appearances discussing topics from emotional behavior in sports to the psychological aspects of neurovisual rehabilitation.

As Head of Research & Transfer Services, Leitner leads the strategic reorientation of research at Salzburg University of Applied Sciences through a comprehensive organizational development process. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through applications in health, wellbeing, and quality education.