Thomas Habekost

Thomas Habekost is a Full Professor in Cognitive Neuropsychology at the Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, where he also serves as Head of the Research Cluster in Cognition & Neuropsychology since 2021. His academic journey at the University of Copenhagen began with his Cand.Psych. degree in 2000, followed by a Ph.D. in 2005, and has progressed through positions from Research Assistant to Full Professor.

His educational background includes:

• Cand.Psych. (University of Copenhagen, 2000)
• Ph.D. (University of Copenhagen, 2005)

Habekost's research primarily focuses on visual and attentional processes, using experimental and technical methods such as MRI, EEG, and eye tracking. He is particularly known for his work with the Theory of Visual Attention (TVA) model, which provides a mathematical framework for understanding attentional mechanisms. His research spans multiple areas including attention assessment in clinical populations, cognitive deficits after brain damage, and interactions between arousal and selective attention. A significant portion of his work examines ADHD, particularly how medication affects attentional processes in both children and adults.

Habekost's publications reveal a strong focus on attentional mechanisms across various populations. His work frequently applies the TVA model to assess attentional deficits in neurological, neuropsychiatric, and developmental disorders. Recent research has increasingly focused on ADHD, examining both cognitive profiles and the effects of medication on attentional processes. His work also extends to pure alexia, visual processing in aging, and the relationship between attention and other cognitive functions.

Among his notable research funding are:

• Grant from the Danish Council for Independent Research's Sapere Aude program (2012-2016): "The attentive mind: towards a unified theory of visual selectivity and arousal" (8.637.068 Dkr, as PI)
• Share of grant from KU's crossdisciplinary 2016-program (2013-2017): "Attention to Dopamine" (5.756.000 Dkr, as vice-PI)
• Share of grant from KU's Centre of Excellence program (2008-2013): "Integrated visual attention research" (as co-investigator)

Habekost actively supervises students at all levels (BA, MA, and Ph.D.) and teaches courses in Cognitive Psychology, Neuropsychology, Research Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience, and Clinical Psychology with cognitive or neural aspects. He has served in various administrative roles including Deputy Head of Department (2015-2021) and currently as Head of Research Cluster (2021-present). He is also the Research Coordinator for the International TVA network since 2010.

His laboratory work centers around the Virtual Learning Lab and the Center for Visual Cognition, where he and his team investigate attentional mechanisms using both behavioral and neuroimaging approaches. Current research projects include interactions between arousal and selective attention, and cognitive profiling of ADHD including medication effects.