Michel Audiffren

Michel Audiffren is a full Professor at the University of Poitiers and a leading member of CeRCA (Centre for Research on Cognition and Learning)/MSHS, located at TSA 21103, 5 rue Théodore Lefebvre, 86073 Poitiers cedex 9, France.

Academic Focus & Research Interests

His research integrates psychophysiology, neuroscience and exercise science to understand how physical activity influences cognitive aging, executive functions, and mental fatigue. Key areas include:

• Neuroplasticity induced by chronic and acute exercise
• Self-control and effortful control models
• Neuroimaging correlates (especially fNIRS) of cognitive load and fatigue
• BDNF and COMT gene × physical activity interactions in ageing cognition
• Behavioural interventions to enhance exercise adherence and cognitive health

Publication Trends

Across the last 15 high-impact publications (2025→2019), Audiffren and colleagues consistently bridge basic psychophysiological mechanisms with applied interventions. Studies repeatedly employ fNIRS, cardiovascular markers (HRV), and behavioural paradigms to dissect how mental fatigue, effort valuation and aerobic exercise interact. The work spans healthy young adults to frail nursing-home residents, highlighting translational ambitions.

Doctoral Supervision & Collaborative Network

Over the past five years he has supervised or co-supervised:

• Anne Canivet (2012–2016) – Genetic moderation of exercise-cognition links in seniors
• Nounagnon Frutueux Agbangla (2013–2016) – Aging, executive control and fNIRS
• Thomas Mangin (2017–2020) – Self-monitoring exhaustion conditions
• Marine Grousset (2019–2023) – Self-control, physical activity & chronic low-back pain

Collaborations extend to Cédric Albinet (IUT Champollion), Roy Baumeister (University of Queensland), Delphine Fagot (University of Geneva), and Sandra Chanraud (EPHE Bordeaux), fostering multi-centre projects and international visibility.

Laboratory & Teaching Roles

Within CeRCA he heads the “Cognition, Clinic and Behavior (CoCliCo)” research axis. He teaches psychophysiology of exercise, physical activity and brain plasticity, and psychology of stress and motivation at both undergraduate and master’s levels at the University of Poitiers and contributes to the European Master in Health and Physical Activity (Rome Foro Italico).