معرفی
Dr. Richard Binney is a Reader (equivalent to Associate Professor) in the School of Psychology and Sport Science at Bangor University, specializing in cognitive neuroscience and semantic memory research. His work focuses on understanding how the human brain stores and uses knowledge about people, objects, and words, with particular emphasis on the neural basis of semantic memory and its relationship to social cognition.
Binney completed his BSc at the University of Exeter, MSc at the University of Bristol, and PhD at the University of Manchester. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and serves as an Associate Editor for Cortex journal (starting January 2025) and as Meetings Secretary for the British Neuropsychological Society (since November 2022).
His research spans multiple themes including semantic memory organization, social cognition, cognitive communication disorders, and brain connectivity. He employs a multi-method approach combining behavioral measures, brain imaging (fMRI), and non-invasive brain stimulation techniques like TMS and tES to investigate how semantic knowledge is represented in the brain and how it contributes to social interactions.
Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on social semantics, concrete vs. abstract word processing, semantic hubs in the anterior temporal lobe, and applications to neurological conditions like frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease. His work demonstrates how semantic memory systems are deeply interconnected with social cognitive processes.
- The Elizabeth Warrington Prize of the British Neuropsychological Society (2020)
Binney teaches undergraduate and postgraduate modules including Brain & Mind (PPP-1005) and Methods in Language & Bilingualism Research (PPP-4008). He supervises PhD students including Irina Giurgea and Beca Mills, and welcomes new students interested in semantic cognition, social cognition, cognitive communication impairment, and brain anatomy/connectivity. He previously led the 'Social Semantics' research project (2020-2022) exploring the meaning underpinning social words.
He directs the Conceptual Knowledge and Communication Lab at Bangor University, which investigates the cognitive systems underpinning semantic memory and how they support communicative behavior, with applications to neurological conditions like stroke and dementia.
