Simon Killcross

Professor Simon Killcross (BA, MA, PhD, FRSN, FASSA) is the Head of the School of Psychology at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). After completing his doctorate at the University of Cambridge, he held research and academic positions at Magdalene College (Cambridge), University of York, and Cardiff University, where he was promoted to Professor and served as Deputy Head of School (2006–2009) before moving to UNSW. His research focuses on brain mechanisms underlying learning, cognition, and executive function, particularly in relation to fronto-striatal systems, addiction, and psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia.

• Education: PhD from University of Cambridge (Cantab)
• Affiliations: UNSW Sydney, School of Psychology; previously at Cardiff University and University of York

Killcross employs associative learning theory and behavioral neuroscience to investigate neural substrates of executive control, decision making, and habit formation. His work bridges basic science and translational applications, targeting dopamine systems, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex in rodent models. Recent studies explore how maternal immune activation, diet, and neuroinflammation affect cognition, with implications for dementia risk reduction and addiction treatment.

Key published work includes 15 recent articles (2018–2025) on topics like:

• Neural circuits regulating fear and sensory memory integration
• Dopamine receptor roles in neutral-valence learning
• Sex-specific behavioral alterations post-immune activation
• Contextual control of habitual behavior
• Orbitofrontal and prefrontal cortex in model-based vs. model-free learning

Scientific Awards:

• Fellow of the Royal Society of NSW (2020)
• Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence (2017)
• Spearman Medal (1999) and Young Psychopharmacologist Prize (1997)

Supervision & Grants: Supervised 8 PhD/Honours students (2012–2023). Secured 11 major grants (2004–2022), including NHMRC and ARC funding for projects on neuroinflammation in cognition, neural substrates of fear, and behavioral interventions for addiction and psychiatric disorders.