Dr Chris Allen
Research Fellow
- allencp@cardiff.ac.uk
- +44 (0)29 2068 8793
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ
- Media commentator
I am the Wellcome trust strategic award fellow for brain stimulation research at Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre.
I am primarily interested in consciousness. I perform experiments which try to track the relationship between how we experience the world and the brain. I use brain stimulation techniques (transcranial magnetic stimulation, TMS) and brain imaging techniques (magnetoencephalography, MEG and magnetic resonance imaging, MRI). I also have a background in philosophy, particularly phenomenology (the study of experience).
Undergraduate education
University of Edinburgh: BSc (Hons) Physiology.
Postgraduate education
Cardiff University: PhD Psychology.
University of Edinburgh: MSc Philosophy.
Speaking engagements
S4C ‘Doctor Doctor’ interview. MSc neuroimaging promotional video interview. Curios experiments - production company (theatrical events, clubs etc) 1997-2001 co-founding member.
2019
- Allen, C. 2019. The relationship between the temporal structure of magnetoencephalography recorded brain activity and capacity to form discrete auditory representations. European Journal of Neuroscience 49(12), pp. 1564-1574. (10.1111/ejn.14289)
- Allen, C. and Mehler, D. M. A. 2019. Open science challenges, benefits and tips in early career and beyond. PLoS Biology 17(5), article number: e3000246. (10.1371/journal.pbio.3000246)
2018
- Allen, C.et al. 2018. Evidence for parallel activation of the pre-supplementary motor area and inferior frontal cortex during response inhibition: a combined MEG and TMS study. Royal Society Open Science 5, article number: 171369. (10.1098/rsos.171369)
2017
- Campbell, A. E.et al. 2017. Impairment of manual but not saccadic response inhibition following acute alcohol intoxication. Drug and Alcohol Dependence 181, pp. 242-254. (10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.08.022)
- Humby, T.et al. 2017. A genetic variant within STS previously associated with inattention in boys with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is associated with enhanced cognition in healthy adult males. Brain and Behavior 7(3), article number: e00646. (10.1002/brb3.646)
2014
- Allen, C. P. G., Sumner, P. and Chambers, C. D. 2014. The timing and neuroanatomy of conscious vision as revealed by TMS-induced blindsight. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience 26(7), pp. 1507-1518. (10.1162/jocn_a_00557)
- Allen, C.et al. 2014. Enhanced awareness followed reversible inhibition of human visual cortex: a combined TMS, MRS and MEG study. PLoS ONE 9(6), pp. e100350. (10.1371/journal.pone.0100350)
2013
- Maizey, L.et al. 2013. Comparative incidence rates of mild adverse effects to transcranial magnetic stimulation. Clinical Neurophysiology 124(3), pp. 536-544. (10.1016/j.clinph.2012.07.024)
- Chambers, C. D.et al. 2013. Is delayed foveal feedback critical for extra-foveal perception?. Cortex 49(1), pp. 327-335. (10.1016/j.cortex.2012.03.007)
2012
- Allen, C. P. G. 2012. Probing visual consciousness with transcranial magnetic stimulation. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University.
2017 - pressent: MSc project supervisor
2017 - pressent: DClinPsy project co-supervisor
2014 - 2018: PhD co-supervisor
2014 - 2017: MSc lecture
2013 - 2017: Final year lecture
2013 - 2014: MSc dissertation project co-supervisor
2010 - 2012: Undergraduate final year project co-supervisor
2009 - 2012: Practical assistant level 2 psychology undergraduates
2008 - 2009: Postgraduate tutor to level 1 psychology undergraduates
My research involves perform experiments which try to tie together our experience the world as it appears to us and how our brains implement this physically.
The techniques I use don't just allow us measure what's going on inside our heads. We can also interfere with brain processes and see what effect this has on experience. Through these I hope to make progress on questions such as how the brain produces consciousness.