Simon Büchner

Dr. Simon Büchner is a Lecturer and Course Coordinator in the Life Sciences program at University College, University of Freiburg. He holds a PhD in Psychology and has been actively involved in interdisciplinary education and research since 2012. His academic affiliations include long-term roles in the SFB/TR 8 Spatial Cognition research consortium and leadership in curriculum development for Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Education:

• PhD in Psychology, University of Freiburg (2010)
• MSc in Cognitive Psychology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst (2005)
• Undergraduate studies in Education, Cognitive Science, and Philosophy, University of Freiburg (2000–2003)

Dr. Büchner's research focuses on perception, attention, and decision-making in spatial cognition and wayfinding. He employs eye-tracking, behavioral experiments, and self-assessment methods in both lab and field settings. His interests extend to applied cognition, visual attention, and consciousness, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary and educational applications.

His recent publications reflect a consistent focus on methodological innovation in spatial cognition, particularly in mobile eye-tracking and collaborative navigation. Themes include gaze analysis, sign placement, and the cognitive structure of wayfinding tasks, demonstrating a trajectory rooted in empirical psychology and human-centered design.

Scientific Awards and Recognitions:

• E-Teaching Fellowship, University of Freiburg (2023)
• Julie Johnson Kidd Travel Research Fellowship (2020)
• Fulbright Commission Scholarship
• Baden-Württemberg Foundation Scholarship

Dr. Büchner has supervised thesis projects and introduced innovative teaching methods such as Problem-Based Learning and flipped classrooms. He has secured multiple grants through the Studierendenvorschlagsbudget for e-learning and blended learning initiatives, including robotics education and mathematics pre-courses. He also serves on the Board of Directors of University College Freiburg and the Board of Studies for Liberal Arts and Sciences.

He is actively involved in academic service, including peer review for major journals and conferences such as the Cognitive Science Society, Spatial Cognition & Computation, and PLOS ONE. His leadership in the 2024 Interdisciplinary College (IK2024) on resilience and responsibility underscores his commitment to interdisciplinary education.