Stefan van der Stigchel

About Stefan van der Stigchel

Prof. Dr. Stefan van der Stigchel is a professor of Cognitive Psychology at Utrecht University, director of the Helmholtz Institute, and president of the Dutch Society of Brain & Cognition. Additionally, he is the initiator of Utrecht Brein, a collaboration that consolidates and highlights brain research in Utrecht. Previously, he was a member of the Young Academy of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences.

As the head of the research group AttentionLab, Stefan investigates how attention and visual awareness together shape our perception of the world. How do we select information, which stimuli reach our consciousness, and what happens when our attention falls short? His research into these fundamental questions provides insights that are both scientifically innovative and directly relevant to the challenges of our stimulus-rich society.

Stefan has published more than a hundred scientific articles in leading international journals. In addition to his academic work, he reaches a broad audience through his popular science books. He has written, among others, Zo werkt Aandacht, Concentratie, Grip op je aandacht and, more recently, Beter leren kijken. His books have been translated into multiple languages and are published internationally by renowned publishers, including MIT Press. This has established him as a widely read author who bridges the gap between science and society.

As a speaker, Stefan is known for his talent in explaining complex scientific insights clearly and vividly. His lectures provide a glimpse into the brain and demonstrate how our attention works, why it so easily goes astray, and what we can do to gain control over our concentration. He combines current research findings with relatable examples from everyday life, making his lectures both inspiring and practically applicable.

Stefan speaks to a wide range of audiences: from education and healthcare to government and business. For organizations struggling with digital distractions or work pressure, he offers concrete strategies to improve productivity and well-being. For professionals in education and healthcare, he provides insights into the limits and possibilities of attention. And for the general public, he offers an inspiring view of how our brain shapes the world.

His mission is to make knowledge about attention and concentration accessible to everyone. With this, he aims to contribute to a society where every brain can function optimally, even in a world that is becoming increasingly full and complex.