Dr. Ian Johnston

Associate Professor

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Biography

Ian Johnston is an Associate Professor in the School of Psychology at the University of Sydney. His research program spans behavioural neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and applied psychological science, focusing on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying executive function, learning, memory, and behaviour change across the lifespan, particularly in high-stress contexts. His early research work investigated the interaction between pain and opioid analgesia, and he has contributed to foundational studies in neuroimmune signaling and the effects of inflammation on learning and memory. Ian is internationally recognized for his work on chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment, known as 'chemobrain', and has conducted preclinical translational studies concerning white matter pathology, neuroinflammation, and executive dysfunction. His current research focuses on spatial cognition and neuropsychological assessment and includes the development of novel virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) tests to assess cognitive functions in immersive environments. He is pioneering investigations into how ADHD symptoms affect attentional control and self-regulation within contemporary digital environments. Furthermore, he supervises numerous undergraduate and postgraduate projects aligned with his research interests, integrating laboratory and field methods into a comprehensive educational framework.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

2015-01-01 — Present

University of Sydney • Sydney

Teaching and conducting research in behavioural neuroscience and cognitive psychology.

Requirements for University of Sydney

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:17
Reading
Required:17
Writing
Required:19
Speaking
Required:17
Total
Required:85
PTE
Listening
Required:54
Reading
Required:54
Writing
Required:54
Speaking
Required:54
Overall
Required:61
Prerequisites
A master's degree with a research component or a bachelor's degree with first or second-class honours. Demonstrated research experience and capability.
Application Checklist
  • Academic transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Research proposal (1000+ words)
  • Two academic referee reports
  • Evidence of residency status
  • Written statement of support from potential supervisor
Specialization Notes

This entry applies to Faculty of Science PhD programs including Departments such as Life and Environmental Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and Statistics.