CSPE logo: a continuous three-dimensional volume made out of ten purple bars lit in such a manner that there is no distinction between the front and back of the shape

The Centre for the Study of Perceptual Experience (CSPE) facilitates analytical philosophical and empirical research into the nature of perceptual experience drawing on philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, psychiatry, human–computer interaction, and artistic practice.

We consist of a core group of faculty, postdocs, and graduate students at the University of Glasgow, together with a wider group of researchers from around the world. 

Find out below about our research, personnel, impact, events, opportunities for visiting and studying at the Centre, as well as current and previous research projects and collaborations.

CSPE logo: a continuous three-dimensional volume made out of ten purple bars lit in such a manner that there is no distinction between the front and back of the shape

drawing of a geometrical landscape made out of blocks in different shades of purple, dissolving into a mist at the right of the image

About the Centre

an artwork with a phantastic blue human eye surrounded by neuron tendrils, which also resembles a galaxy

Projects and Collaborations

photo of a member of the CSPE team (a black young man) demonstrates illusions to three onlookers at the Glasgow Science Festival

Public Engagement

photo of two young men (a black man in dark clothes and a white man in a black jumper with a rabbit on it) behind a table full of cards and documents. On their right (left of the picture) a banner much taller than the men with a purple logo and purple text: 'Centre for the study of perceptual experience'

Research and Study Opportunities

abstract painting of blue circles seen at different angles in three separate bright yellow sections, arranged in such a manner that the three sections seems to be 3-dimensional cylinders moving towards each other

The Illusions Index

a crop from a charcoal drawing with hands over a woman's eyes, a chalkboard with key words and a nude in fetal position

Extreme Imagination Art Exhibition

CSPE News and Events

  • 04 Mar

    Shortlisted in Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards

    CSPE researchers, Prof Fiona Macpherson and Dr Neil McDonnell, and tech company Sublime are shortlisted in the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards in the "Powerful Partnership" category for their work on their virtual reality teaching projects Mobius and Edify.
  • 16 Nov

    Festival UK 2022

    Fiona Macpherson and the CSPE are members of the "Assemble" team chosen to participate in the Festival UK 2022 R&D Project between November 2020 and February 2021.
  • 27 Nov

    Shortlisted in Times Higher Education Awards 2020

    Our three-dimensional molecular visualisation software for experiential learning through virtual reality was shortlisted in the Technological or Digital Innovation of the Year category in the Times Higher Education Awards 2020.
Full listings...
photo of outdoors: a panoramic view of a grey gothic tower (the university of Glasgow) with lush greenery in the foreground and blue sky with white fluffy clouds in the background

Additional Resources