Rob Hughes

Rob Hughes is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London. His research focuses on redefining classical cognitive theories through a perceptual-motor lens, particularly in the domains of short-term memory and selective attention.

• Academic Rank: Professor
• Department: Psychology
• Institution: Royal Holloway, University of London

Research Interests

• Short-term memory and sequence learning: Challenges modular theories of memory by proposing perceptual-motor mechanisms as foundational.
• Auditory distraction and attentional control: Develops duplex-mechanism accounts to explain how sounds disrupt tasks and how top-down control mitigates this.

Scientific Awards and Recognition

• Education Excellence Award Nomination (2025)
• New Investigator Award (2006) from the Journal of Experimental Psychology
• James S. McDonnell Foundation Scholar Award Finalist (2013)

Editorial Contributions

• Editor of The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology (2020–present)
• Guest Editor for Journal of Cognition (2017)
• Editorial Board Member for Journal of Cognitive Psychology (2017–present)