Jon Simons, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience in the Department of Psychology, has been appointed Head of the School of Biological Sciences from 1st February 2025, for a period of 4 years.
As Head of School, Professor Simons has responsibility for implementation of the School's academic vision surrounding research, undergraduate teaching and postgraduate education. He chairs the Council of the School and is a member of the University's senior leadership team and numerous University committees.
Professor Simons is a leading cognitive neuroscientist with an interest in human memory. His research programme focusses on investigating the cognitive and brain mechanisms of memory, particularly the subjective experience of remembering.
After graduating from the University of Aberdeen with a degree in Psychology, Professor Simons undertook a PhD at the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit at the University of Cambridge, followed by a postdoctoral position at Harvard University. He returned to the UK to take up a senior research fellowship at University College London, before moving back to Cambridge in 2006.
Over the last 5 years, Professor Simons served as Deputy Head for Research Strategy in the School of Biological Sciences. He led the strategic development and implementation of cross-Departmental research initiatives, including the establishment of the School-wide Research Themes. He has also proactively contributed to key programmes supporting a positive research culture and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in the School and beyond.
Professor Simons said:
“It’s an honour to be asked to take on this role at a time of huge opportunity for the School of Biological Sciences. I am deeply committed to doing what I can to help everyone in the School to thrive and conduct the world leading research and teaching of which they are capable. I’m looking forward to working together with others to progress key priorities such as our ambitious Future Estates Project, the once-in-a-generation undergraduate curriculum reviews and continued development of our multi-pathway postgraduate courses.”
Professor Jon Simons works closely with three Deputy Heads of School across Research, Undergraduate and Postgraduate education, and with the Secretary of the School, Milly Bodfish.