Cognition, Learning & Plasticity

Academic Development & Learning Difficulties Attention Brain Imaging Brain Systems Childhood & Adolescence (3-18 years) Cognition & Information Processing Individual Differences Learning Mathematics & Numeracy

Founded in 2009

Integrating knowledge from psychology, education & neuroscience

Advancing basic & translational research

Prof. Roi Cohen Kadosh

Our pioneering research has revealed that we can enhance cognition using mild non-invasive brain stimulation

We conduct research on the psychological and biological factors that shape learning and cognitive achievement, with focus on mathematical cognition and executive functions. Our unique multidisciplinary research has been recognised by a number of awards for originality, creativity, and theoretical contribution in the fields of psychology, neuroscience, and education.

It is not a science fiction, it is already real and it will be a critical part of our future.
- Stephen Hawking, discussing our research

In our work, we combine cognitive theories and methods with neuroscientific tools. Such an integrative investigation is an endeavour with broad implications for basic science and can greatly inform the development of evidence-based methods for improving human cognition and brain functions.

Aside from its theoretical implications, our research has: 1) a clear translational impact, as evidenced by the national and international patents and our work with industrial partners; and 2) societal and ethical implications which we are exploring with neuroethicists.

Our team

Roi Cohen Kadosh

Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience
James Sheffield

Postdoctoral Research Associate
George Zacharopoulos

Postdoctoral Research Associate
Malin Karstens
Thomas Reed

Cognition, Learning & Plasticity (Cohen Kadosh Lab)

Selected publications

Long-term enhancement of brain function and cognition using cognitive training and brain stimulation.
Journal article

Snowball A. et al, (2013), Curr Biol, 23, 987 - 992
Numerical representation in the parietal lobes: abstract or not abstract?
Journal article

Cohen Kadosh R. and Walsh V., (2009), Behav Brain Sci, 32, 313 - 328
The roles of cortical oscillations in sustained attention
Journal article

Clayton MS. et al, (2015), Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 19, 188 - 195
The neuroethics of non-invasive brain stimulation.
Journal article

Cohen Kadosh R. et al, (2012), Curr Biol, 22, R108 - R111
Cognitive enhancement or cognitive cost: trait-specific outcomes of brain stimulation in the case of mathematics anxiety.
Journal article

Sarkar A. et al, (2014), J Neurosci, 34, 16605 - 16610
Suboptimal engagement of high-level cortical regions predicts random noise-related gains in sustained attention
Journal article

Harty S. and COHEN KADOSH R., Psychological Science
Electrical stimulation of alpha oscillations stabilises performance on visual attention tasks
Journal article

Cohen Kadosh R. et al, Journal of Experimental Psychology: General

Current and Previous Funding

Public Engagement and Involvement

We are committed to communicating and discussing our scientific activities and ideas, and we participated in many public events and exhibitions including the London Science Museum, British Neuroscience Association Festival of Neuroscience, Wellcome Trust Superhuman exhibition, and many schools. Please contact us to discuss the possibility us taking part in activities that you are planning.

Research Vacancies

Prospective graduate students and postdocs who are interested in applying to join the lab may contact Roi Cohen Kadosh, by email, at roi.cohenkadosh@psy.ox.ac.uk.