dr. Jelle Zuidema

Cognition, Language and Communication

'I continue to be fascinated by language and intelligence - how do we do know all those subtle rules of language, how come we sometimes find simple things so difficult, and at the same time carry out complex tasks effortlessly? Cognitive science is the frontier of modern science, with many of the central puzzles still unsolved but lots of exciting discoveries around the corner. In my research I focus on language, and in particular the learning and evolution of grammar, using the computational tools from artificial intelligence. Collaboration with neighboring disciplines is essential in such interdisciplinary research, and here in the Amsterdam area I'm lucky to find myself surrounded by many excellent linguists, mathematicians, biologists and psychologists. It also feels like a privilege to teach and supervise in a Master's programme with so many clever students from many different backgrounds. I sometimes learn as much from the good questions and ideas of students as they do from me.'

prof. dr. Jeroen Raaijmakers

Professor in Cognitive Psychology 

'The field of Cognition is rapidly changing. New methods such as neuroimaging and computer modeling make it possible to start investigating crucial questions regarding the architecture that makes human (and animal) cognition possible. At the Cognitive Science Centre Amsterdam scientists with different backgrounds are working together to gain a better understanding of what is one of the most exciting puzzles in science today.'

'Our Master's programme in Brain and Cognitive Sciences is one of the oldest of its kind and has attracted many talented students from many nationalities. Our yearly Summer School, where top-level guest lecturers present their views on crucial issues in the field, has an excellent national and international reputation. The very laudatory comments made by these guest lecturers with respect to our students are perhaps the best testimony to the high quality of our students and their enthusiasm in gaining a better understanding in the puzzle of cognition.'

prof. dr. Henkjan Honing

Music Cognition

'The curriculum of the Brain and Cognitive Sciences Master's programme is challenging to both students and instructors. The courses are well-designed, well-taught and closely monitored by the educational coordination committee. The design of most courses actually reminds me of a kind of honours programme, both in terms of the effort and energy students are asked to put in to the courses, as well as in terms of the quality and state-of-the-art topics presented in the courses.'

'I enjoyed teaching an elective course in music cognition last year enormously. The students were active, enthusiastic and very productive. The excellent contribution of the students encouraged me to perform to the best of my ability as well. I loved it.'

For more information about Dr Honing, please see the link below.

prof. dr. Richard Ridderinkhof

Professor in Neurocognitive Development and Ageing - Director of Acacia: Amsterdam center for the study of adaptive control in brain and behaviour

‘The weekly course "Current Issues in Brain & Cognitive Sciences" is really the coolest course to be teaching.  It brings out the best in students, allowing them throughout the year to show what they're made of.  Many of the students turn out to be remarkably talented interdisciplinary scientists, and it's a pleasure and a privilege to help shape them on their way to become researchers in cognitive neuroscience.  It's just too bad that I have to share them with other UvA cognitive scientists who also offer challenging opportunities for graduation research projects.'