Professor Eirini Mavritsaki
Professor in Cognitive Psychology, BLSS Faculty Research Strategy Deputy and BLSS Research Development Framework Lead
School of Social Sciences
- Email:
- eirini.mavritsaki@bcu.ac.uk
- Phone:
- +44 (0)121 331 6361
Prof. Eirini Mavritsaki is Professor in Cognitive Psychology at Birmingham City University. Prior to her current role she was Director of Research for the School of Social Sciences from 2016-2020. Eirini has over 20 years’ experience in computational cognitive neuroscience and cognitive psychology. Her computational modelling work allows her to combine different methodologies (e.g. experimental studies, fMRI, behavioural and EEG) and to investigate the brain processes in attention, cross-cultural studies in attention, decision-making, Alzheimer’s, ADHD, visual neglect, and extinction, and in 2012 she was awarded the BPS cognitive section award. She sees the impact of her work in understanding further disorders related to attention and brain injury, and further down the line developing approaches for using computational modelling and machine learning to support patients. She currently leads the Cognition, Disorders and Computation (CDC) lab at BCU.
Eirini is a Senior Fellow of HEA and chartered member of the British Psychological Society (CPsychol). She is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the International Organisation for Computational Neurosciences (OCNS) holding the EDI chair of the organisation. In terms of editorial work, she is Associate Editor in Frontiers in Cognition and Review Editor in Frontiers in Cognitive Science.
Areas of Expertise
- Visual Cognition
- Attention
- Experimental Psychology
- Computational modelling
- Cognitive Computational Neuroscience
- Neuropsychology
- Cross-cultural differences in cognition
- FASD, ADHD and attention
- Alzheimer’s and cognition
Qualifications
- PG Cert Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (2012-2013)
- Qualified Teacher Status (2012)
- PhD, Psychology University of Sheffield (1999-2004)
- BSc, Mathematics University of Crete (1995-1999)
Memberships
Service to profession
International Committees
- 2023-2026 Member of the Board of Directors of the Organisation for computational neurosciences (OCNS), EDI Chair.
- 2020-2026 Member of the Board of Directors of the Organisation for computational neurosciences (OCNS), Social Media chair.
Editorships
- Associate Editor in Frontiers in Cognition
- Review Editor in Frontiers in Cognitive Science
- Associate Editor
Memberships
- Senior Fellow of Higher Education Academy (SFHEA)
- Chartered member (CPsychol) of the British Psychological Society
- Member of the ALBA network towards diversity and equity in Brain Sciences
- Member of the Organization for Computational Neuroscience (OCNS)
- Member of the Society for Neuroscience (SfN)
- Member of the Vision Sciences Society (VSS)
Teaching
Professor Eirini teaches on the Brain and Cognition module in MSc Psychology.
Research
- Visual Cognition
- Attention
- Experimental Psychology
- Computational modelling
- Cognitive Computational Neuroscience
- Neuropsychology
- Cross-cultural differences in cognition
- Disorder of attention (ADHD and Alzheimer’s)
- Research informed teaching
Postgraduate Supervision
Current Supervision
- Todd Capes - DFASD: Differentiating FASD from ADHD: A behavioural and computational modelling study. Co-supervised with Dr Silvio Aldrovandi, LSBU and Dr Loukia Tsaprouni, BCU and Dr Virna Amanatidou, Worcestershire Health and Care Trust, UK.
- Richard Bibb – Cognitive flexibility and resilience in organization leadership. Co-supervised with Dr Silvio Aldrovandi, LSBU, Prof. Alexandros Psychogios, University of Loughborough and Dr Jessica Diaz, BCU.
- Rahmi Salviviani - Exploring the Influence of SMEs Middle Managers’ Cognitive Styles on their Strategic Role. Co-supervised with Dr Stephanie Chua and Prof. Alexandros Psychogios, University of Loughborough.
- Alexandra Florea - The effect of self-compassion and emotion differentiation on the association between autistic traits and anxiety/depression. Co-supervised with Dr Atiya Kamal, BCU and Dr John Galvin, University of Warwick.
- Idris Choudrey - Covid-19 and Long Covid-19 effects on Cognitive Health. Doctoral Training Alliance funded by Horizon 2020. Co-supervised by Dr Jeffrey Wood, BCU, Dr John Galvin, University of Warwick and Prof. Zoe Kourtzi, University of Cambridge.
- Ms Ethan Myers - An EEG and computational modelling investigation into cultural differences in visual perceptual learning. Co-supervised with Dr Stephanie Chua, BCU, Dr Panagiotis Rentzelas, UCL and Prof. Zoe Kourtzi, University of Cambridge.
- Ms Jennifer Klein - New insights into ADHD through behavioural and modelling studies. Co-supervised with Dr Amy Cook and Prof. John Clibbens from BCU, Prof. Harriet Allen, The University of Nottingham and Dr Virna Amanatidou, Worcestershire Health and Care Trust, UK.
- Mr Nirav Porwal - Investigating oscillatory behaviour in Alzheimer’s disease to establish biomarkers: an EEG and computational programme. Co-supervised by Prof. Maxine Lintern from BCU and Prof. Howard Bowman, University of Birmingham.
PhD completions
- Dr Mohammad Abu Bakar, Effective communications of water resilient communities.
- Dr Stephanie Chua, Cross-cultural differences and perceptual learning.
- Dr Joe Wright, Cross-cultural differences and perceptual learning.
Publications
Journals
- Porwal, N., Bowman, H., Lintern, M. and Mavritsaki, E. (in press) Simulating the N400 congruence effect in Alzheimer’s disease. BMC Neuroscience.
- Vallone, F., Galvin, J., Cattaneo Della Volta, M. F., Akhtar, A., Chua, S., Ghio, E., Giovazolias, T., Kazakou, Z., Kritikou, M., Koutra, K., Kovacevic, S., Lee-Treweek, G. Ivana, M., Mavritsaki, E., Plassova, M., Stuchlikova, I. and Zurlo, M. C. (2023) Technostress and academic motivation: Direct and indirect effects on University students' psychological health. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1-16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1211134
- Chua, S., Rentzelas, P., Frangou, P., Kourtzi, Z., Lintern, M., & Mavritsaki, E. (2021). Cultural differences in perceptual learning. International Journal of Psychology, 57 (3), 377-386. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijop.12824
- Bakar, M. F. A., Wu, W., Proverbs, D., & Mavritsaki, E. (2021). Effective communication for water resilient communities: A conceptual framework, Water, 13 (20), 2880. https://doi.org/10.3390/w13202880
- Galvin, J., Evans, M. S., Nelson, K., Richards, G., Mavritsaki, E., Giovazolias, T., Koutra, K., Mellor, B., Zurlo, M. C., Smith, A. P., & Vallone, F. (2021). Technostress, Coping, and Anxious and Depressive Symptomatology in University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Europe’s Journal of Psychology, 18 (3), 302-318. https://doi.org/10.5964/ejop.4725
- Porwal N., Bowman H., Lintern M., Shapiro K and Mavritsaki E. (2019) A spiking neural network model of the N400 congruency effect. BMC Neuroscience, 20 (Suppl 1), 111. https://doi:10.1186/s12868-019-0538-0
- Chua S., Rentzelas P., Kourtzi Z., Lintern M, and Mavritsaki E. (2019) The influence of self-construal priming on visual perceptual learning. Journal of Vision, 19 (10), 185. https://doi:10.1167/19.10.185c
- Mavritsaki E., Bowman H., and Li Su (2019) Attentional deficits in Alzheimer’s: investigating the role of acetylcholine with computational modelling. In: Coutsoridis V., Handbook of Multi-Scale Models of Brain Disorders: From Microscopic to Macroscopic Assessment of Brain Dynamics, Springer.
- Mavritsaki E., Chua S., Kourtzi Z, Lintern M. and Rentzelas P. (2018). Cultural differences in perceptual learning. Journal of Vision, 18, p.p. 279. doi:10.1167/18.10.277
- Mavritsaki, E., Bridger, E. and Alrdovandi, E. (2017). Modelling human choices: MADeM and decision making. BMC Neuroscience, 18, p.18. Doi: 10.1186/s12868-017-0371-2
- Mavritsaki, E. and Rentzelas, P. (2017). Is object saliency perceived different cross-culturally? A computational modelling study. BMC Neuroscience, 18, p.p.60. Doi: 10.1186/s12868-017-0372-1
- Mavritsaki, E. and Humphreys, G.W. (2016). Temporal binding and segmentation in visual search: A computational neuroscience analysis. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 28(10), p.p. 1553-1567. Doi:10.1162/jocn_a_00984.
- Mavritsaki, E. and Rentzelas, P. (2015). Cross-cultural differences in visual attention: A computational modelling study. BMC Neuroscience, 16, p.p. 204-204. Doi: 10.3389/fncom.2016.00068.
- Mavritsaki, E., Cook, A. and Humphreys, G.W. (2015). Towards grasping the underlying processes in ADHD using visual search task: A computational modelling approach. Journal of Vision, 15(12), p.p. 1258-1258. Doi: 10.1167/15.12.1258.
- Mavritsaki, E. and Humphreys, G.W. (2013). Different functional roles of dopamine and acetylcholine in visual selection. Simulations of visual search in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Journal of Vision, 13(9), p.p. 523-523. Doi: 10.1167/13.9.523
- Mavritsaki, E., Heinke, D., Allen, H.A., Deco, G. and Humphreys, G.W. (2011). Bridging the gap between physiology and behaviour: Evidence from sSoTS model of human attention. Psychological Review, 118(1), p.p. 3-41. Doi: 10.1037/a0021868.
- Mavritsaki, E., Allen, H.A. and Humphreys, G.W. (2010). Decomposing the neural mechanism of neural marking using an interconnected network of spiking neurons: The spiking search over time and space model (sSoTS). NeuroImage, 52(3), p.p. 934-946. Doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2010.03.044.
- Riddoch, M.J., Chechlasz, M., Mevorach, C., Mavritsaki, E. and Allen, H.A. (2010). The neural mechanisms of visual selection: The view from neuropsychology. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences¸1191(1), p.p. 156-181.
- Mavritsaki, E., Humphreys, G.W., Heinke, D. and Deco, G. (2009). Simulating posterior parietal damage in a biologically plausible framework: Neuropsychological tests of the sSoTS model. Cognitive Neuropsychology, 26(4), p.p. 343-390.
- Lepora, N.F., Mavritsaki, E., Porrill, J., Yeo, C.H., Evinger, L.C. and Dean, P. (2007). Evidence from retractor bulbi EMG for linearised motor control of conditioned nictitating membrane response. Journal of Neurophysiology, 98, p.p. 2075-2088. Doi:10.1152/jn.00210.2007.
- Mavritsaki, E., Heinke, D.G., Deco, G. and Humphreys, G.W. (2007) Suppressive effects in visual search: A neuro-computational analysis of preview search. Neurocomputing, 70, p.p.1925-1931. Doi:10.1016/j.neucom.2006.10.077
- Mavritsaki, E., Lepora, N.F., Porrill, J., Yeo, C.H. and Dean, P. (2007) Response linearity determined by recruitment strategy in detailed model of nictitating membrane control. Biological Cybernetics, 96(1), p.p. 39-57. Doi: 10.1007/s00422-006-0105-5.
- Mavritsaki, E., Heinke, D.G., Deco, G. and Humphreys, G.W. (2006) A computational model of visual marking using an interconnected network of spiking neurons: The spiking search over time and space model (sSoTS). Journal of Physiology Paris, 100, p.p. 110-124. Doi:10.1016/j.jphysparis.2006.09.003
BOOK CHAPTERS
- Mavritsaki E., Bowman H., and Li Su (accepted) Attentional deficits in Alzheimer’s: investigating the role of acetylcholine with computational modelling. In: Coutsoridis V., Handbook of Multi-Scale Models of Brain Disorders: From Microscopic to Macroscopic Assessment of Brain Dynamics, London: Spriger.
- Humphreys, G.W. and Mavritsaki, E. (2012). Modelling visual attention in search in multiple levels. In: M.I. Posner, ed., Cognitive Neuroscience of Attention, London: The Guilford Press, p.p. 57-75.
- Mavritsaki, E., Humphreys, G.W., Heinke, D. and Deco, G. (2010). Modelling neuropsychological deficits with a spiking neural network. In: N. Srinivasan, B.R. Kar and J. Pandey, ed., Advances in Cognitive Science, Volume 2, New Delhi: SAGE Knowledge, p.p. 150-178. Doi: 10.4135/9788132107910.n13
- Mavritsaki, E., Allen, H.A. and Humphreys, G.W. (2009). Decomposition of neural circuits of human attention using a model-based analysis: sSoTS model application to fMRI data. In: J. Mayor, N. Ruh and K. Plunkett, ed., Progress in Neural Processing: Connectionists model on behaviour and Cognition II, Oxford: World Scientific, 18, p.p. 401-414.
- Heinke, D., Mavritsaki, E., Backhaus, A. and Kreyling, M. (2009). The selective attention for identification model (SAIM): A framework for closing the gap between behaviour and neurological level. In: D.G. Heinke and E. Mavritsaki, ed., Computational modelling in behavioural neuroscience: Closing the gap between neurophysiology and behavior, London: Psychology Press, p.p. 80-106.
- Humphreys, G.W., Mavritsaki, E., Allen, H.A., Heinke, D.G. and Deco, G. (2009). Application of neural-level model to human visual search: Modelling the whole system behaviour, neuropsychological break down and BOLD signal activation. In: D.G. Heinke and E. Mavritsaki, ed., Computational modelling in behavioural neuroscience: Closing the gap between neurophysiology and behavior, London: Psychology Press, p.p 58-79.
- Mavritsaki, E., Allen, H.A. and Humphreys, G.W. (2008). Model based analysis of fMRI-data: Applying sSoTS framework to the neural basis of preview search. In: L. Paletta and J.K. Tsotsos, ed., Lecture Notes in Computer Science: Attention in Cognitive Systems, Berlin: Springer, 5395, p.p. 124-138
Links and Social Media
- LinkedIn profile