Simon's lab website is here: watt-lab.bangor.ac.uk/

And click here for his Google Scholar citations 

Simon earned a PhD in Psychology at the University of Surrey, supervised by Mark Bradshaw. He then worked as a postdoctoral researcher at UC Berkeley, working with Marty Banks, before joining the faculty at Bangor in 2004.

Simon is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychology in the School of Psychology and Sport Science. He is Director of the Cognitive Neuroscience Institute — a research group in the school.

His research comprises a range of basic studies on how we see and use our hands in 3d space. This includes research on tool use, multisensory integration (of vision and touch), reaching and grasping, and 3d vision.

A common thread (beyond topic areas) is that Simon's research aims to integrate fundamental science with practical use (an approach known as Pasteur's Quadrant). Much of his work on sensorimotor control aims to inform development of devices such as prosthetic hands, while his work on 3d vision aims to informs development of stereoscopic displays and VR technology.  

Tel: +44 (0) 1248 388252

Email: s.watt@bangor.ac.uk

SimonWattLab website: 

http://watt-lab.bangor.ac.uk

Google scholar citations 

• PhD: The visual control of Reaching and Grasping Movements
  University of Surrey, 2001
• MSc: Research Methods in Psychology
  University of Surrey, 1996
• BSc: Psychology
  Cardiff University, 1994

Simon supervises undergraduate and masters research projects on a range of topics in sensorimotor control and perception. Recent projects include studies on visual-tactile sensory integration, and tool use.

He currently supervises one PhD student, Molly Hewitt, who is working on studies of sensorimotor control of devices, aimed at informing development of next-gen prosthetic hands. This is a collaboration with the prosthesis developer, Ambionics.   

He is currently module organiser for the Masters Research Rotation module PRP-4013 and for the undergraduate Psychology Project Module (a.k.a. The Dissertation).   

2023

• PublishedA hierarchical sensorimotor control framework for human-in-the-loop robotic hands
  Seminara, L., Dosen, S., Mastrogiovanni, F., Bianchi, M., Watt, S., Beckerle, P., Nanayakkara, T., Drewing, K., Moscatelli, A., Klatzky, R. & Loeb, G., 17 May 2023, In: Science Robotics. 8, 78, eadd5434.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2022

• PublishedImpact of correct and simulated focus cues on perceived realism
  March, J., Krishnan, A., Watt, S., Wernikowski, M., Gao, H., Yöntem, A. Ö. & Mantiuk, R., 30 Nov 2022, In: SA '22: SigGraph Asia 2022. 9 p., 22.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Conference article › peer-review

2021

• PublishedReproducing Reality with a High-Dynamic-Range Multi-Focal Stereo Display
  Zhong, F., Jindal, A., Yöntem, Ö., Hanji, P., Watt, S. & Mantiuk, R., 10 Dec 2021, In: ACM Transactions on Graphics. 40, 6, p. 241 14 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Conference article › peer-review

2020

• PublishedNeural representations of haptic object size in the human brain revealed by multivoxel fMRI patterns
  Perini, F., Powell, T., Watt, S. & Downing, P., 1 Jul 2020, In: Journal of Neurophysiology. 124, 1, p. 218-231
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2019

• PublishedA margin for error in grasping: Hand pre-shaping takes into account task-dependent changes in the probability of errors
  Keefe, B., Suray, P-A. & Watt, S., Apr 2019, In: Experimental Brain Research. 237, 4, p. 1063-1075 13 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedActive haptic perception in robots: a review
  Seminara, L., Gastaldo, P., Watt, S. J., Valyear, K. F., Zuher, F. & Mastrogiovanni, F., 17 Jul 2019, In: Frontiers in Neurorobotics. 13, 53.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2017

• PublishedOptimal visual-haptic integration with articulated tools
  Takahashi, C. & Watt, S., May 2017, In: Experimental Brain Research. 235, p. 1361-1373 13 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedThe Use of Stereoscopy in a Neurosurgery Training Virtual Environment
  John, N., Phillips, N., Ap-Cenydd, L., Pop, S., Coope, D., Kamaly-Asl, I., de Souza, C. & Watt, S., 7 Jul 2017, In: Presence: Teleoperators and Virtual Environments. 25, 4, p. 289-298
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedViewing Geometry determines the contribution of binocular vision to the online control of grasping
  Keefe, B. D. & Watt, S., Dec 2017, In: Experimental Brain Research. 235, 12, p. 3631-3643
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2016

• PublishedVisual-haptic integration with pliers and tongs: signal “weights” take account of changes in haptic sensitivity caused by different tools
  Takahashi, C. & Watt, S. J., 14 Feb 2016, In: Frontiers in Psychology.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2015

• PublishedReaching and grasping with pliers-like tools: a kinematic analysis
  Watt, S. J., Dickson, R. A., Watt, S. & Dickson, R., 1 Aug 2015, In: Perception. 44, 1, p. 213
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedSeparate neural representations of visual and haptic object size
  Watt, S. J., Perini, F., Watt, S. & Downing, P. E., 1 Aug 2015, In: Perception. 44, 1, p. 340-341
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2014

• PublishedDepth from HDR: Depth Induction or Increased Realism?
  Vangorp, P., Mantiuk, R. K., Bazyluk, B., Myszkowski, K., Mantiuk, R., Watt, S. J. & Seidel, H., 8 Aug 2014, In: Proceedings of the ACM Symposium on Applied Perception. p. 71-78
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedEfficacy of a Virtual Environment for Training Ball Passing Skills in Rugby
  Miles, H. C., Pop, S. R., Watt, S. J., Lawrence, G. P., John, N. W., Perrot, V., Mallet, P., Mestre, D. R., Morgan, K., Gavrilova, M. L. (ed.), Tan, C. J. (ed.) & Mao, X. H. (ed.), 1 Jan 2014, Transactions on Computational Science XXIII; Special Issue on Cyberworlds. Springer Verlag, p. 98-117
  Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter

2012

• PublishedA review of virtual environments for training in ball sports
  Miles, H. C., Pop, S. R., Watt, S. J., Lawrence, G. P. & John, N. W., 1 Oct 2012, In: Computers and Graphics. 36, 6, p. 714-726
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedVergence and accommodation to multiple-image-plane stereoscopic displays: “real world” responses with practical image-plane separations?
  MacKenzie, K. J., Dickson, R. A. & Watt, S. J., 27 Feb 2012, In: Journal of Electronic Imaging. 21, 1
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2011

• PublishedDepth-cue integration in grasp programming: no evidence for a binocular specialism.
  Keefe, B. D., Hibbard, P. B. & Watt, S. J., 1 Apr 2011, In: Neuropsychologia. 49, 5, p. 1246-1257
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2010

• PublishedAccommodation to multiple-focal-plane displays: implications for improving stereoscopic displays and for accommodation control.
  MacKenzie, K. J., Hoffman, D. M. & Watt, S. J., 26 Jul 2010, In: Journal of Vision. 10, 8, p. 22
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2009

• PublishedIntegration of vision and haptics during tool use.
  Takahashi, C., Diedrichsen, J. & Watt, S. J., 8 Jun 2009, In: Journal of Vision. 9, 6, p. 1-15
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedThe role of binocular vision in grasping: a small stimulus-set distorts results.
  Keefe, B. D. & Watt, S. J., 1 Apr 2009, In: Experimental Brain Research. 194, 3, p. 435-444
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2008

• PublishedVisual uncertainty predicts grasping when monocular cues are removed but not when binocular cues are removed.
  Watt, S. J., Keefe, B. D. & Hibbard, P. B., 10 May 2008, In: Journal of Vision. 8, 6, p. 297a
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedVisually guided grasping: Using a small stimulus set can lead to overestimation of the effectiveness of depth cues.
  Keefe, B. D., Elsby, M. & Watt, S. J., 10 May 2008, In: Journal of Vision. 8, 6, p. 302a
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2006

• PublishedDepth information is integrated across multiple objects for reaching and grasping.
  Scarfe, P., Watt, S. J. & Hibbard, P. B., 1 Jun 2006, In: Journal of Vision. 6, 6, p. 934a
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedIntegration of information across the visual scene in the control of prehension.
  Hibbard, P. B., Scarfe, P. & Watt, S. J., 1 Jan 2006, In: Perception. 35
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2005

• PublishedAchieving near-correct focus cues in a 3-D display using multiple image planes.
  Watt, S. J., Akeley, K., Girshick, A. R., Banks, M. S., Rogowitz, B. E. (ed.), Pappas, T. N. (ed.) & Daly, S. J. (ed.), 1 Jan 2005, p. 393-401.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedFocus cues affect perceived depth.
  Watt, S. J., Akeley, K., Ernst, M. O. & Banks, M. S., 15 Dec 2005, In: Journal of Vision. 5, 10, p. 834-862
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2004

• PublishedA stereo display prototype with multiple focal distances.
  Akeley, K., Watt, S. J., Girshick, A. R. & Banks, M. S., 1 Aug 2004, In: ACM Transactions on Graphics. 23, 3, p. 804-813
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedBinocular cues and the control of prehension.
  Bradshaw, M. F., Elliot, K. M., Watt, S. J., Hibbard, P. B., Davies, I. R. & Simpson, P. J., 1 Jan 2004, In: Spatial Vision. 17, 1-2, p. 95-110
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedImproved stereoscopic performance with consistent vergence and accommodative cues in a novel 3D display.
  Girshick, A., Akeley, K., Watt, S. J. & Banks, M. S., 1 Jan 2004.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedPre-movement delay and prehension in children in middle childhood.
  Bradshaw, M. F., Watt, S. J., Elliot, K. M. & Riddell, P. M., 1 Jan 2004, In: Human Movement Science. 23, p. 771-784
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedSlant from texture and disparity cues: Optimal cue combination.
  Hills, J. M., Watt, S. J., Landy, M. S. & Banks, M. S., 1 Dec 2004, In: Journal of Vision. 4, 12, p. 1a
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedUsing multiple image planes to achieve near-correct focus cues in a 3D display.
  Watt, S. J., Akeley, K. & Banks, M. S., 13 Aug 2004, In: Journal of Vision. 4, 8, p. 463a
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2003

• PublishedBinocular vision and prehension in middle childhood.
  Watt, S. J., Bradshaw, M. F., Clarke, T. J. & Elliot, K. M., 1 Jan 2003, In: Neuropsychologia. 41, 4, p. 415-420
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedFocus cues to display distance affect perceived depth from disparity.
  Watt, S. J., Akeley, K. & Banks, M. S., 22 Oct 2003, In: Journal of Vision. 3, 9, p. 66a
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedSlant anisotropy and tilt-dependent variations in stereo precision.
  Ghose, T., Hillis, J. M., Watt, S. J., Landy, M. S. & Banks, M. S., 22 Oct 2003, In: Journal of Vision. 3, 9, p. 80a
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedThe visual control of reaching and grasping: Binocular disparity and motion parallax.
  Watt, S. J. & Bradshaw, M. F., 1 Apr 2003, In: Journal of Experimental Psychology - Human Perception and Performance. 29, 2, p. 404-415
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2002

• PublishedA dissociation of perception and action in normal human observers: the effect of temporal delay.
  Bradshaw, M. F. & Watt, S. J., 1 Jan 2002, In: Neuropsychologia. 40, 11, p. 1766-1778
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedBinocular information in the control of prehensile movements in multiple-object scenes.
  Watt, S. J. & Bradshaw, M. F., 1 Jan 2002, In: Spatial Vision. 15, 2, p. 141-155
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedDisorders in timing and force of finger opening in overarm throws made by cerebellar subjects.
  Watt, S. J., Hore, J., Timmann, D. & Watts, S. J., 1 Dec 2002, In: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 978, p. 1-15
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedDo observers exploit binocular disparity information in motor tasks within dynamic telepresence environments?
  Bradshaw, M. F., Elliott, K. M., Watt, S. J., Davies, I. R. & Willis, A. R., 1 Jan 2002, In: Stereoscopic Displays and Virtual Reality Systems IX. p. 331-342
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedHeight in the visual field and binocular cues support natural prehension movements.
  Watt, S. J. & Bradshaw, M. F., 1 Jan 2002, In: Spatial Vision. 15, p. 253-254
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedObservers exploit binocular disparity information in motor tasks within dynamic telepresence environments.
  Bradshaw, M. F., Elliot, K. M. & Watt, S. J., 1 Jan 2002, In: Spatial Vision. 15, p. 155
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedScreen cues to flatness do affect 3D percepts.
  Watt, S. J., Banks, M. S., Ersnt, M. O. & Zurner, J. M., 1 Jan 2002, In: Journal of Vision. 2, 7, p. 297a
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedThe role of binocular cues in the control of reaching and grasping in 5 and 10 year old children.
  Bradshaw, M. F., Watt, S. J., Holden, T. J., Elliot, K. M., Hibbard, P. B. & Riddell, P. M., 1 Jan 2002, In: Spatial Vision. 15, p. 250-251
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedThe stereoscopic anisotropy affects manual pointing.
  Bradshaw, M. F., Hibbard, P. B., van der Willigen, R., Watt, S. J. & Simpson, P. J., 1 Jan 2002, In: Spatial Vision. 15, p. 443-458
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedWorking memory and the control of natural prehension movements.
  Merat, N., Groeger, J. A., Bradshaw, M. F., Watt, S. J. & Hibbard, P. B., 1 Jan 2002, In: Spatial Vision. 15, p. 252-253
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2000

• PublishedBinocular cues are important in controlling the grasp but not the reach in natural prehension movements.
  Watt, S. J. & Bradshaw, M. F., 1 Oct 2000, In: Neuropsychologia. 38, 11, p. 1473-1481
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedCan observers exploit enhanced-disparity information to control reaching movements within telepresence environments?
  Bradshaw, M. F., Hibbard, P. B., Van der Willigen, R., Watt, S. J., Davies, I. R., Stringer, N. S., Beagley, A. & Willis, A., 3 May 2000, In: Stereoscopic Displays and Virtual Reality Systems VII. 3957, p. 253-261
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedField of view affects reaching, not grasping.
  Watt, S. J., Bradshaw, M. F. & Rushton, S. K., 1 Jan 2000, In: Experimental Brain Research. 135, 3, p. 411-416
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedInterocular distance, enhanced disparity information, and the control of prehension.
  Bradshaw, M. F., Hibbard, P. B., Watt, S. J., Van der Willigen, R., Davies, I. R., Rushton, S. & Willis, A., 1 Jan 2000, In: Perception. 29, p. S69
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedTemporal delay affects the reach but not the grasp in natural prehension movements.
  Watt, S. J. & Bradshaw, M. F., 1 Jan 2000, In: Investigate Ophthalmology and Visual Science. 41, p. S43
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

• Hyperrealistic imaging experience (RealVision)

  01/01/2018 – 31/12/2199 (Active)

• KESS II PhD project with NWISH BUK290

  01/06/2017 – 01/08/2022 (Finished)

• Improving 3D Visualisation:Near-Correct

  01/02/2008 – 28/10/2011 (Finished)