Dr Elisa Raffaella Ferrè

I am an experimental psychologist and cognitive neuroscientist.  My research investigates the interaction of signals from different sensory modalities, primarily between vestibular, visual and somatosensory inputs.  Using a range of techniques from neuroscience, neurophysiology and experimental psychology, I have demonstrated that vestibular–multisensory interactions are crucial in several cognitive and perceptual processes, including gravity processing. I am currently focusing on how the human brain represents terrestrial gravity and uses it to guide behaviour. 

My work is supported by project grants from the UK British Academy, UK Royal Society, UK Meniere's Society, Japan National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, European Low Gravity Research Association and European Space Agency.

Research Methods

Natural and Artificial Vestibular Stimulations, Vestibular Physiological Recording, Virtual Reality, Psychophysics, EEG and fMRI.

Other Services

I am Committee Member of the UK Space Life and Biomedical Sciences Association (UK SpaceLABS) and the European Low Gravity Research Association (ELGRA).

I am a Committee Member of the Experimental Psychology Society (EPS) and the British Psychology Society Research Board.

Engagement Activities

I regularly participate in public talks, science festivals and events (see BBC Science Focus featuring my research).

Art/Science projects: VESTIBULAR_1 and The Zero Gravity Band.

Articles:

- Astronauts on Mars missions could soffer cognitive and emotional problems - new research.

- Europe is recruiting astronauts: here's what it takes to become one.

- What neuroscientists are learning about our brains in space by launching themselves into zero gravity flight.

- Gravity influences how we make decisions.

Website

Please click here

I am an honorary Research Associate at the UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience