Cognitive Psychology
Stefan van der Stigchel is a professor of Cognitive Psychology at Utrecht University. He leads the research group AttentionLab, which investigates how attention and visual awareness together shape our perception of the world.
Our consultants would be happy to advise you on how best to tailor the narrative to your specific target audience.
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.
In a world where work, information, and stimuli are always within reach, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to create mental space. Stefan van der Stigchel shows how attention, concentration, recovery, and mental health are interconnected. Why do we sometimes feel exhausted without having done any physically demanding work? What is the impact of constant availability? And how can we ensure that our attention is directed not only toward performance, but also toward recovery and well-being? Drawing on scientific insights and relatable examples, he offers a fresh perspective on work-life balance in modern society.
Why is it that we often know exactly what’s good for us, yet still struggle to change our behavior? In his lectures, Stefan van der Stigchel explains how habits form, why change is so difficult, and what role attention, motivation, and cognitive control play in this process. Drawing on recent insights from psychology and neuroscience, he translates scientific knowledge into practical strategies for lasting behavioral change. From living healthier and working more productively to reducing distractions: behavioral change begins with understanding how the brain makes choices.
Emails, messages, banners, push notifications, trending topics, and cat videos – it is harder than ever these days to concentrate uninterrupted for more than a few minutes. Is that a problem? Yes, because concentration is indispensable for working creatively and productively. Time for science to come up with answers. Attention expert and cognitive psychologist Stefan van der Stigchel helps you emerge victorious in the battle for your attention. He shows how concentration works, clarifies how we sometimes misuse our working memory, and explains the latest scientific insights. But above all, he provides techniques to help you maintain your concentration for longer.
Request pricing and availability, without obligation. Our consultants will be happy to help you personally.
Our specialists are ready to match the right expertise to your goals.
Get the latest insights and trends from top experts delivered straight to your inbox every month.
