Stefan van der Stigchel
Stefan van der Stigchel is a professor of cognitive psychology at Utrecht University and a leading expert in the field of attention, concentration, and visual awareness. As principal investigator of the research group AttentionLab, he studies how attention and visual awareness shape our perception of the world.
He understands better than anyone how vulnerable our concentration has become in the digital age, and why this has direct consequences for creativity, productivity, and decision-making. In his lectures, he translates complex scientific insights into clear, immediately applicable strategies that help people strengthen their focus and work more effectively.
Van der Stigchel is the author of several books, including How attention works, and Concentration. His work has been translated into many languages and published in English by MIT Press.
As a speaker, he is known for his accessible style, interactive approach, and practical applicability. He regularly delivers keynotes, workshops, and training sessions for organizations that want to invest in focus, mental sharpness, and sustainable performance in a world full of distractions.
A selection of lectures Stefan has previously delivered:
Concentration is a skill you can learn
Nowadays, it is harder than ever to concentrate for more than a few uninterrupted minutes. Is that a problem? Yes, because concentration is essential for working creatively and productively. Stefan shares the latest insights on attention and concentration and provides techniques to help you sustain your focus for longer periods.
Improve your observation skills
In Improve your observation skills, you will experience how you can view the world through different filters. By directing your own perception, you suddenly notice specific details or larger patterns that would otherwise escape your attention. Professor and attention expert Stefan van der Stigchel combines the latest scientific insights with practical tips from professionals such as air traffic controllers, doctors, and detectives. How do they process visual information? And what can we learn from them?