Simon Baron-Cohen

Simon Baron-Cohen is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow at Trinity College, Cambridge. He serves as Director of the Autism Research Centre, which he founded in 1997, and is a National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Senior Investigator.

• Formulated influential theories in autism and cognitive sex differences
• Created the first UK adult Asperger Syndrome clinic
• Keynote speaker at UN Autism Awareness Day 2017
• Founding Trustee of Autism Action charity

His research focuses on autism, including its early diagnosis, genetic and prenatal biological underpinnings, and neurodiversity. He has supervised over 45 PhD students and published 750+ peer-reviewed articles.

His work integrates neuroscience, psychology, and genetics, with recent projects examining:

• Genetic links between systemizing and autism
• Causal role of prenatal sex steroids in autism
• Vulnerability in autistic individuals across domains (criminal justice, employment, suicidality)

Scientific Awards:

• Knighthood (2021)
• MRC Millennium Medal (2023)
• Fellowships in multiple academies

He has supervised 45 PhD students and received major funding from Wellcome Trust and SFARI. His work has profoundly impacted autism research and public understanding of neurodiversity.