Newcastle Cognitive Science
The Newcastle Cognitive Science Research Group investigates how people think, decide, and act in complex environments. Our vision is to advance the science of human cognition through rigorous theory, computational modelling, and empirical discovery – and to translate this understanding to solve real-world challenges. From explaining how attention and decision processes unfold moment by moment, to improving safety, learning, and human-AI interaction, our research connects fundamental cognitive mechanisms with practical outcomes. We bring together expertise in psychology, cognitive science, statistics, and human factors to understand and enhance human performance in an increasingly information-rich world.
Research focus
Our research spans theory, computation, and real-world systems to understand how people process information, make decisions, and interact with technology. We develop models and experimental tools to uncover how cognition adapts under uncertainty, change, and load – then apply those insights to domains ranging from safety and human-machine teaming to health, transport, and cybersecurity. Across our projects we emphasise rigorous methods, Bayesian and computational modelling, and interfaces that respect human limits. Our goal is to bridge cognitive science with application: delivering solutions that improve performance, trust, safety, and human-AI collaboration.
- Computational modelling of decision making, prediction, and evidence accumulation
- Cognitive workload, attention, and resource limitations in dynamic settings
- Human-machine / human-AI teaming, trust, and interface design
- Perception, memory, and adaptive control across real-world tasks
- Bayesian methods, open science, and advanced statistical inference.
Our researchers
Current projects
We develop computational models to explain how people make decisions under uncertainty and time pressure. These models integrate behavioural, neural, and applied data to reveal how evidence, attention, and goals evolve over time in complex environments.
Our research examines trust, workload, and coordination in human-machine teams. By studying decision sharing between people and AI systems, we design interfaces and adaptive automation that enhance safety, transparency, and performance in aviation, defence, and other high-stakes domains.
We investigate how cognitive control and attention are maintained under load. Using real-time, objective behavioural and physiological measures, we identify the limits of multitasking and develop predictive models of when and why errors occur in real-world settings.
We apply cognitive science to problems in health, climate, and transport. Our projects range from understanding risk and bias in medical and environmental decisions to improving driver awareness and flight-deck design through cognitive modelling and human-factors research.
We advance Bayesian and hierarchical modelling tools that improve the accuracy and transparency of cognitive research. These methods enable stronger inferences about how people think and decide, and support open, collaborative science across behavioural and computational disciplines.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.