Perception, Action, Cognition

PAC Lab is a multidisciplinary research group dedicated to understanding how humans interact with virtual and natural environments.

<p>The <a href="http://www.leeds.ac.uk/paclab/">Perception, Action, Cognition group</a> is a multidisciplinary research group dedicated to understanding how humans interact with virtual and natural environments.</p> <p>Our research focuses on addressing fundamental questions on the relationship between the systems responsible for human behaviour, particularly:</p> <ul> <li>Skilful sensorimotor control (driving, surgery, handwriting, catching)</li> <li>Cognition (decision making, working memory, learning)</li> </ul> <p>To study complex and dynamical systems requires a multidisciplinary approach employing a variety of research methods and techniques to address these research questions. By bringing together world-class expertise in experimental psychology, neuroscience, education, engineering, data science and clinical medicine we are able to:</p> <ul> <li>produce rigorous research</li> <li>develop novel technologies</li> <li>answer questions that translate to benefits in healthcare, education and society.</li> </ul> <p>We take a special interest in examining how humans use vision to support skilled interactions with the world, for example when driving a car at speed. We use a range of techniques to examine these questions, principally using virtual environments, whilst simultaneously tracking behaviours such as hand, eye and head movements.</p> <h2>Translation and Application</h2> <p>Our research is being applied to understanding how both children and adults learn to integrate cognitive and motoric abilities and the impact this has on their successful participation in important academic and professional activities, as well as their wider physical and mental wellbeing. This includes studying reading and writing in children, the learning of highly skilled manual coordination skills in adults such as minimally invasive surgery, through to helping stroke survivors regain function. </p> <h2>Facilities and Resources</h2> <p>The School of Psychology has a wide range of specialised <a href="http://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/directory/facilities-medicinehealth?query=&categoryID=41">facilities and resources</a> available for research projects.</p>

<p>To submit an application in this research area please complete an <a href="https://studentservices.leeds.ac.uk/pls/banprod/bwskalog_uol.P_DispLoginNon">online application form</a> and submit this alongside a research proposal, a full academic CV, degree transcripts (or marks so far if still studying) and degree certificates. If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the Faculty’s minimum <a href="https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/faculty-graduate-school/doc/entry-requirements-1">English language requirements</a>.</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

<p>For further information please contact the Graduate School Office<br /> e: <a href="mailto:fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk">fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>