Metadata
Title
Ross Cunnington
Category
general
UUID
460fa216b5bb4b50aaa623130adcc5cf
Source URL
https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1715
Parent URL
https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/601
Crawl Time
2026-03-11T07:03:13+00:00
Rendered Raw Markdown 
# Ross Cunnington

**Source**: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1715
**Parent**: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/601

Professor

# Ross Cunnington

Email:
:   [r.cunnington@uq.edu.au](mailto:r.cunnington@uq.edu.au)

Phone:
:   [+61 7 336 56332](tel:+61 7 336 56332)

## Positions

Professor
:   School of Psychology
:   Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences

## Overview

### Background

My research focuses on Action and Attention in the human brain, examining neural activity underlying the preparation for voluntary movement and the recognition of others' actions

I am a Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience in the School of Psychology, University of Queensland. My major research interests include understanding the brain processes involved in attention and the preparation and readiness for voluntary action, the "mirror neuron" system and how we perceive and understand the actions of others.

Read more
Read less

### Availability

Professor Ross Cunnington is:
:   Available for supervision
:   Media expert

### Fields of research

[Cognitive and computational psychology](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4985)
[Neurosciences](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4960)

### Qualifications

- Bachelor of Science, Monash University
- Doctor of Philosophy, Monash University

## Works

[Search Professor Ross Cunnington’s works on UQ eSpace](http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/list/author_id/5364)

[All
(176)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/1715/all)
[Book
(1)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/1715/4747)
[Journal Article
(149)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/1715/4748)
[Other Outputs
(1)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/1715/4749)
[Conference Publication
(24)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/1715/4751)
[Book Chapter
(1)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/1715/4752)

2025

Journal Article

##### Co-dysregulation to co-regulation: A qualitative analysis of improved teacher language and self-awareness

Princi-Hubbard, Rita, Cunnington, Ross, Sherwell, Chase and Gillies, Robyn M. (2025). Co-dysregulation to co-regulation: A qualitative analysis of improved teacher language and self-awareness. SSRN, 1-36. doi: 10.2139/ssrn.5167311

[Co-dysregulation to co-regulation: A qualitative analysis of improved teacher language and self-awareness](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:768124c)

2023

Journal Article

##### Evidence for entropy maximisation in human free choice behaviour

Rens, Natalie, Lancia, Gian Luca, Eluchans, Mattia, Schwartenbeck, Philipp, Cunnington, Ross and Pezzulo, Giovanni (2023). Evidence for entropy maximisation in human free choice behaviour. Cognition, 232 105328, 105328. doi: 10.1016/j.cognition.2022.105328

[Evidence for entropy maximisation in human free choice behaviour](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:8031fdb)

2022

Journal Article

##### Reaction Time “Mismatch Costs” Change with the Likelihood of Stimulus–Response Compatibility

Campbell, Megan E. J., Sherwell, Chase S., Cunnington, Ross, Brown, Scott and Breakspear, Michael (2022). Reaction Time “Mismatch Costs” Change with the Likelihood of Stimulus–Response Compatibility. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 30 (1), 1-16. doi: 10.3758/s13423-022-02161-6

[Reaction Time “Mismatch Costs” Change with the Likelihood of Stimulus–Response Compatibility](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:27240a1)

2022

Journal Article

##### Unconscious influences on “free will” movement initiation: slow-wave brain stimulation and the readiness potential

Armstrong, Samuel, Bland, Nicholas S., Sale, Martin V. and Cunnington, Ross (2022). Unconscious influences on “free will” movement initiation: slow-wave brain stimulation and the readiness potential. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 34 (6), 1038-1052. doi: 10.1162/jocn\_a\_01840

[Unconscious influences on “free will” movement initiation: slow-wave brain stimulation and the readiness potential](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:35d486b)

2022

Journal Article

##### Learning research in a laboratory classroom: a reflection on complementarity and commensurability among multiple analytical accounts

Chan, Man Ching Esther, Moate, Josephine, with the Social Unit of Learning project team, Clarke, David, Cunnington, Ross, Díez-Palomar, Javier, Friesen, Marita, Haataja, Eeva, Hošpesová, Alena, Kuntze, Sebastian, Nieminen, Juuso, Novotná, Jarmila, Ochoa, Xavier, Sherwell, Chase, Tran, Dung and Tuohilamp, Laura (2022). Learning research in a laboratory classroom: a reflection on complementarity and commensurability among multiple analytical accounts. ZDM - Mathematics Education, 54 (2), 317-329. doi: 10.1007/s11858-022-01330-0

[Learning research in a laboratory classroom: a reflection on complementarity and commensurability among multiple analytical accounts](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:484a0b9)

2022

Conference Publication

##### Motor cortical excitability is modulated by the phase of slow-wave brain stimulation

Armstrong, Samuel R., Lemass, Gabriella, Sale, Martin V. and Cunnington, Ross (2022). Motor cortical excitability is modulated by the phase of slow-wave brain stimulation. Australasian Brain and Psychological Sciences Meeting, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11 - 14 July 2022.

[Motor cortical excitability is modulated by the phase of slow-wave brain stimulation](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:0c24ecf)

2021

Journal Article

##### Insula cortex gates the interplay of action observation and preparation for controlled imitation

Campbell, Megan E.J., Nguyen, Vinh T., Cunnington, Ross and Breakspear, Michael (2021). Insula cortex gates the interplay of action observation and preparation for controlled imitation. Neuropsychologia, 161 108021, 108021. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2021.108021

[Insula cortex gates the interplay of action observation and preparation for controlled imitation](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:92775ef)

2021

Journal Article

##### Does self-reassurance reduce neural and self-report reactivity to negative life events?

Kim, Jeffrey J., Doty, James R., Cunnington, Ross and Kirby, James N. (2021). Does self-reassurance reduce neural and self-report reactivity to negative life events?. Frontiers in Psychology, 12 658118, 658118. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.658118

[Does self-reassurance reduce neural and self-report reactivity to negative life events?](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:4ce0d9f)

2021

Book

##### Learning under the lens : applying findings from the science of learning to the classroom

Annemaree Carroll, Ross Cunnington and Annita Nugent eds. (2021). Learning under the lens : applying findings from the science of learning to the classroom. Local/Global Issues in Education, London, United Kingdom: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9780429027833

[Learning under the lens : applying findings from the science of learning to the classroom](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:06248cd)

2020

Journal Article

##### Neural and self-report markers of reassurance: a generalized additive modelling approach

Kim, Jeffrey J., Henderson, Trent, Best, Talitha, Cunnington, Ross and Kirby, James N. (2020). Neural and self-report markers of reassurance: a generalized additive modelling approach. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11 566141, 566141. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.566141

[Neural and self-report markers of reassurance: a generalized additive modelling approach](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:3ad0291)

2020

Journal Article

##### Attachment styles modulate neural markers of threat and imagery when engaging in self-criticism

Kim, Jeffrey J., Kent, Kirsty M., Cunnington, Ross, Gilbert, Paul and Kirby, James N. (2020). Attachment styles modulate neural markers of threat and imagery when engaging in self-criticism. Scientific Reports, 10 (1) 13776. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-70772-x

[Attachment styles modulate neural markers of threat and imagery when engaging in self-criticism](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:98e3dbb)

2020

Journal Article

##### Six-month follow-up of a mindfulness yoga program, MiYoga, on attention, executive function, behaviour and physical outcomes in cerebral palsy

Mak, Catherine, Whittingham, Koa, Cunnington, Ross, Chatfield, Mark and Boyd, Roslyn N. (2020). Six-month follow-up of a mindfulness yoga program, MiYoga, on attention, executive function, behaviour and physical outcomes in cerebral palsy. Disability and Rehabilitation, 44 (6), 1-7. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2020.1783582

[Six-month follow-up of a mindfulness yoga program, MiYoga, on attention, executive function, behaviour and physical outcomes in cerebral palsy](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:f6ff8b8)

2020

Journal Article

##### Neurophysiological and behavioural markers of compassion

Kim, Jeffrey J., Parker, Stacey L., Doty, James R., Cunnington, Ross, Gilbert, Paul and Kirby, James N. (2020). Neurophysiological and behavioural markers of compassion. Scientific Reports, 10 (1) 6789, 6789. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-63846-3

[Neurophysiological and behavioural markers of compassion](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:e79875d)

2020

Journal Article

##### Bayesian population receptive field modeling in human somatosensory cortex

Puckett, Alexander M., Bollmann, Saskia, Junday, Keerat, Barth, Markus and Cunnington, Ross (2020). Bayesian population receptive field modeling in human somatosensory cortex. NeuroImage, 208 116465, 116465. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.116465

[Bayesian population receptive field modeling in human somatosensory cortex](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:3baf7e2)

2020

Book Chapter

##### Building a secure learning environment through social connectedness

Cunnington, Ross, MacMahon, Stephanie, Sherwell, Chase and Gillies, Robyn (2020). Building a secure learning environment through social connectedness. Building a secure learning environment through social connectedness. (pp. 112-124) edited by Annemaree Carroll, Ross Cunnington and Annita Nugent. Abingdon, Oxon, United Kingdom: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9780429027833-8

[Building a secure learning environment through social connectedness](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:0c8617a)

2020

Journal Article

##### The neurophysiological basis of compassion: An fMRI meta-analysis of compassion and its related neural processes

Kim, Jeffrey J., Cunnington, Ross and Kirby, James N. (2020). The neurophysiological basis of compassion: An fMRI meta-analysis of compassion and its related neural processes. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 108, 112-123. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.10.023

[The neurophysiological basis of compassion: An fMRI meta-analysis of compassion and its related neural processes](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:a443218)

2019

Journal Article

##### Changes in science attitudes, beliefs, knowledge and physiological arousal after implementation of a multimodal, cooperative intervention in primary school science classes

Carroll, Annemaree, Gillies, Robyn M., Cunnington, Ross, McCarthy, Molly, Sherwell, Chase, Palghat, Kelsey, Goh, Felicia, Baffour, Bernard, Bourgeois, Amanda, Rafter, Mary and Seary, Tennille (2019). Changes in science attitudes, beliefs, knowledge and physiological arousal after implementation of a multimodal, cooperative intervention in primary school science classes. Information and Learning Science, 120 (7/8), 409-425. doi: 10.1108/ILS-08-2018-0089

[Changes in science attitudes, beliefs, knowledge and physiological arousal after implementation of a multimodal, cooperative intervention in primary school science classes](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:ea04d99)

2019

Journal Article

##### Neural and behavioral markers of observed pain of older adults

Cao, Yuan, Yusri, Nurain Md, Powell, Tamara and Cunnington, Ross (2019). Neural and behavioral markers of observed pain of older adults. Neuropsychologia, 131, 84-90. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2019.04.012

[Neural and behavioral markers of observed pain of older adults](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:baa5461)

2019

Journal Article

##### Pushing attention to one side: force field adaptation alters neural correlates of orienting and disengagement of spatial attention

Reuter, Eva-Maria, Mattingley, Jason B., Cunnington, Ross, Riek, Stephan and Carroll, Timothy J. (2019). Pushing attention to one side: force field adaptation alters neural correlates of orienting and disengagement of spatial attention. European Journal of Neuroscience, 49 (1), 120-136. doi: 10.1111/ejn.14266

[Pushing attention to one side: force field adaptation alters neural correlates of orienting and disengagement of spatial attention](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:bbce2b2)

2018

Journal Article

##### Neural oscillations and the initiation of voluntary movement

Armstrong, Samuel, Sale, Martin V. and Cunnington, Ross (2018). Neural oscillations and the initiation of voluntary movement. Frontiers in Psychology, 9 (DEC) 2509, 2509. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02509

[Neural oscillations and the initiation of voluntary movement](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:1d9dfff)

## Funding

### Current funding

- 2025 - 2028

  Understanding human brain plasticity and sensory perception

  ARC Discovery Projects

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/66847)

### Past funding

- 2020 - 2025

  Linking human brain structure to function with ultra-high resolution fMRI

  ARC Discovery Projects

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/38777)
- 2015 - 2018

  High-resolution brain imaging of basal ganglia function

  NHMRC Project Grant

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/23141)
- 2013 - 2019

  The Science of Learning Research Centre

  ARC Special Research Initiative for a Science of Learning Research Centre

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/15848)
- 2013

  A brain stimulation and portable eye-tracking suite for human behavioural research

  UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/15678)
- 2012

  Gait analysis for clinical research

  UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/14266)
- 2012 - 2014

  ResTeach Funding 2012 0.05 FTE School of Psychology

  UQ ResTeach

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/46691)
- 2012 - 2014

  Why being lost-in-thought can blind you: The effects of distractor processing on perception (ARC Discovery Project administered by the University of Western Australia).

  University of Western Australia

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/14911)
- 2012

  Why being lost-in-thought can blind you: The effects of distractor processing on perception.

  ARC Discovery Projects

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/20050)
- 2011

  An eye-tracking and neuro-stimulation laboratory for cognitive neuroscience research

  UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/12996)
- 2011 - 2013

  The mirror system and the perception of actions

  ARC Discovery Projects

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/12505)
- 2010 - 2011

  Queensland International Fellowship: The planning and readiness for voluntary movement

  Queensland International Fellowships

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/11934)
- 2010 - 2014

  The human mirror system and the perception of others' actions

  ARC Future Fellowships

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/11268)
- 2010

  A computer laboratory and data storage for behavioural research

  UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/12014)
- 2010

  High performance computing cluster to expand research capacity in neuroscience modelling, imaging and bioinformatics

  NHMRC Equipment Grant

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/12063)
- 2009 - 2010

  Equipment Grant: Stimulus delivery and response recording system, eye-monitoring system and motion capture system for recording limb movements

  The Golden Casket Foundation

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/11097)
- 2009 - 2010

  ResTeach 2009 0.1 FTE School of Psychology

  UQ ResTeach

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/45718)
- 2009 - 2011

  Imaging genetics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

  NHMRC Project Grant

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/10421)
- 2008 - 2009

  A 3.0 Tesla MRI system for human cognitive neuroscience research

  ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/19808)
- 2008 - 2010

  Selective attention and the processing of observed actions

  NHMRC Project Grant

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/9722)
- 2008

  User-friendly equipment for central nervous and cardiovascular psychopshysiology

  UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/10004)
- 2006 - 2010

  UQ Mid-Career Research Fellowship Start-Up Funding: Attention, response selection, and the preparation for action: studies of functional brain imaging

  UQ Mid-Career Research Fellowship

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/19727)

View all 21 past funded projects
View less

## Supervision

### Availability

Professor Ross Cunnington is:
:   Available for supervision

Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on [how to choose a supervisor](https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/how-to-choose-a-supervisor).

### Supervision history

#### Completed supervision

- 2019

  Master Philosophy

  ##### [Neural Mechanisms Underlying Timing in Motor Control](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:9eedb6e)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Associate Professor Martin Sale](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2300)
- 2019

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Context-dependent modulation of the human mirror neuron system for action](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:7caa776)

  Principal Advisor
- 2018

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Effect of mood on neural processes underlying the perception of others' pain](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:88147ec)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Genevieve Dingle](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/30)
- 2017

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Neural dynamics of voluntary decision-making](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:697730)

  Principal Advisor
- 2017

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Predictive timing in perception and action](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:676076)

  Principal Advisor
- 2014

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Neural processes for action observation](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:344261)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Jason Mattingley](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1193)
- 2014

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [The causal inference between goal-directed actions and their sensory consequences](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:328620)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Guy Wallis](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/601)
- 2014

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Fusing simultaneous EEG and fMRI by correlation and connectivity analyses: Applications to face perception and voluntary actions](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:328029)

  Principal Advisor
- 2013

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Visual Evoked Potential based brain-computer interface](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:302647)

  Principal Advisor
- 2025

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Laminar Basis of Vibrotactile Processing and Attention: High-Resolution fMRI Investigations in the Human Somatosensory Cortex](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:25812a2)

  Associate Advisor
- 2025

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [The Neural Dynamics of Novel Word Learning](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:f1f6948)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor David Copland](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/357), [Associate Professor Anthony Angwin](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1094)
- 2024

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [The Student and Teacher Relationship: Exploring Behavioural and Neuroscience Variables that impact upon Student and Teacher Wellbeing](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:e5d67c2)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Chase Sherwell](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/19938), [Professor Robyn Gillies](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/267)
- 2022

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Retinotopic Mapping of Human Visual Cortex with Geometric Deep Learning](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:bbffd5e)

  Associate Advisor
- 2021

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [The Neurophysiological Correlates of Compassion](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:8897579)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Associate Professor Stacey Parker](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1812), [Associate Professor James Kirby](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16692)
- 2018

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [MiYoga: A Randomised, Waitlist-Controlled Trial of an Embodied Mindfulness Program based on Hatha Yoga Principles for Children with Cerebral Palsy and their Parents](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:58bcf8e)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Roslyn Boyd](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1895), [Dr Koa Whittingham](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1373)
- 2017

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Measuring motor-training induced neuroplasticity using diffusion and functional MRI: A Sensitive, Pathology-Robust Approach](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:606305)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Roslyn Boyd](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1895)
- 2015

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [The roles of conceptual feature overlap and distinctiveness during lexical access in spoken word production](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:357250)

  Associate Advisor
- 2013

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [The Role of Empathy in the Observation and Execution of Simple Motor Movements: A Social Cognitive Neuroscience Approach](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:312996)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Eric Vanman](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1856)
- 2013

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### Investigating the Neurological Processes Involved in Visual Self-recognition Using Mirrors, Photographs, Non-identical Twins, and Hominoid Comparative Neuroanatomy

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Thomas Suddendorf](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/809), [Professor Jason Mattingley](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1193)

View all 19 completed supervisions
View less

## Media

### Enquiries

Contact Professor Ross Cunnington directly for media enquiries about:

- Attention and brain function
- Brain - neural activity
- Brain function - biological deficits
- EEG - brain activity
- MRI - brain activity

#### Need help?

For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:

[communications@uq.edu.au](mailto:communications@uq.edu.au)

## External profiles

- [ORCID](https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7423-4809)
- [ResearcherID](https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/C-8432-2009)
- [Scopus](https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=6701405898)
- [Google Scholar](https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=jbU8aQMAAAAJ)

## Personal links

- [Ross Cunnington at School of Psychology](https://psychology.uq.edu.au/profile/3205/ross-cunnington)

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