Peter Gerjets

Prof. Dr. Peter Gerjets is a leading academic in the field of educational psychology and cognitive science. He serves as a professor for teaching and learning research at Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen and heads the Multimodal Interaction Working Group at the Leibniz Institute for Research and Development of School Systems (IWM). His career includes roles as a senior researcher at IWM since 2002 and a habilitation in psychology from Saarland University in 2002. Gerjets holds a diploma in psychology from the University of Göttingen (1991) and a doctorate in psychology from the same institution (1994). His research focuses on optimizing learning through multimodal interaction, including VR, AI-driven education, and cognitive load theory. Key areas include the design of hypermedia systems, embodied interaction, and the application of neuroscientific methods to educational settings.

Research interests span cognitive processes in digital environments, such as how gestures, spatial perception, and physiological interactions influence learning outcomes. Projects like 'Multimodal Interaction in Virtual Reality' and 'AI in Education' highlight his commitment to advancing adaptive educational technologies. Gerjets has led collaborative initiatives like the Leibniz Research Alliance on Advanced Materials Safety and contributed to professional networks for MINT and arts education. His work bridges theory and practice, addressing challenges in museum education, classroom engagement, and ethical AI integration.

Notable contributions include studies on mind wandering detection via machine learning, the cognitive impact of historical sites, and the design of immersive learning tools. His interdisciplinary approach integrates psychology, neuroscience, and computer science to enhance educational effectiveness and accessibility.