Andreas Keil Wins 2022 Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Award
Psychologist honored for his leading research on human adaptive behavior
“Survival mode” is a phrase we’ve all heard — and, in the chaos of life, likely experienced first-hand. Over the course of his career, psychologist Andreas Keil has investigated how the human brain and body react to challenges. Keil’s significant contributions to the field recently earned him international recognition as recipient of the renowned Humboldt Research Award by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation of Germany.
As a professor of psychology and member of the UF Center for the Study of Emotion and Attention, Keil studies a wide range of human reactions to external stimuli. From identifying cues that elicit fear to detecting emotional change in facial expressions, Keil’s exploration of human sensation and perception has revealed new insights about brain processes and mental health.
The annual research award, sponsored by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, aims to build international scientific collaboration and academic exchange. As a winner of the award, Keil is granted 60,000 euros and invited to spend up to one year collaborating on a long-term research project with specialist colleagues in Germany.
Keil, who grew up in rural southern Germany, is no stranger to international collaborations. Prior to joining UF in 2007, he served in faculty roles at his alma mater, the University of Konstanz, Germany. A three-month training stint at the UF Center for the Study of Emotion and Attention in 2000 made a deep impression on him and eventually drew him back to the university.
Since his arrival at UF, he has been named the Colonel Allen R. and Margaret G. Crow Term Professor (2013-2014), Research Foundation Professor (2015-2017) and University of Florida Term Professor (2017-2019), and president-elect of the Society for Psychophysiological Research. With work published in over 200 journal articles and book chapters, Keil has also served as associate and senior editor to premiere academic journals like Biological Psychology and Psychophysiology, earning him widespread recognition as an international leader in his field.
Learn more about Keil’s research here.
