PD.Dr. Sebastian Frank

I am interested in mechanisms of learning and brain plasticity and in how such mechanisms change over the course of life. I investigate learning and plasticity in the visual sensory system as a model. This so-called visual perceptual learning can occur as a result of repeated practice or mere exposure to a visual feature (for example, a visual orientation) and can last for years after the end of training. I use psychophysics and brain imaging to investigate visual perceptual learning and development in humans. I received training in Psychology at the University of Regensburg and in Cognitive Neuroscience at Dartmouth College and at Brown University.

Professional Experience

• 06/2022 - now: Emmy Noether Group Leader. University of Regensburg, Germany.
• 11/2021 – 05/2022: Postdoctoral Research Associate. University of Regensburg, Germany.
• 11/2017 – 10/2021: Postdoctoral Research Associate. Brown University, USA.

Degrees

• 07/05/2025: Habilitation in Psychology. University of Regensburg, Germany.
• 11/06/2017: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Cognitive Neuroscience. Dartmouth College, USA.
• 28/08/2012: Diplom-Psychologe (equivalent to M.Sc. Psychology). University of Regensburg, Germany. 

Education 

• 08/2012 – 06/2017: Graduate studies (Ph.D.) in Cognitive Neuroscience. Dartmouth College, USA.
• 10/2006 – 08/2012: Studies of Psychology (Dipl.-Psych.). University of Regensburg, Germany.

Awards 

• 2025: Daimler und Benz Stipendium.
• 2023: Hector Research Career Development Award.
• 2016: Marie A. Center 1982 Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Research. Dartmouth College, USA.
• 2014: Elsevier/Vision Research Student Travel Award. Vision Sciences Society (VSS), USA.  
• 2014: Outstanding Graduate Student Teacher Award. Dartmouth College, USA.