Simone Grassini
Cognitive Psychology | Virtual Reality | Artificial Intelligence | Environmental Neuroscience
My research explores how people engage with both natural and virtual environments, adapt to transformative technologies such as AI, and experience perceptual, cognitive, and psychological phenomena
PhD, Associate Professor of Psychology
About
Simone Grassini, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Bergen, whose research spans cognitive and environmental psychology, neuroscience, and human-computer interaction. Grassini’s work is centered on how humans engage with natural and virtual environments, exploring the cognitive and physiological effects of modern technologies like virtual reality and the psychological benefits of nature exposure.
With international research experience across Norway, Finland, and the UK, Grassini has made significant contributions in psychophysiology, environmental neuroscience, and human factors. His research is widely published, addressing topics such as the impact of immersive technology on cognition, the influence of nature on mental well-being, and public attitudes toward AI, especially in creative fields.
As a principal investigator for several Horizon Europe projects, Grassini has advanced initiatives that bridge health, sustainability, and technology. Recognized as one of Norway's top 100 most prolific researchers, he has received numerous grants and awards, reflecting his commitment to advancing knowledge in psychology and its applications to real-world issues.
An inspiring educator, Grassini teaches courses on cognitice psychology, biological psychology, environmental psychology, research methods, and human factors. His mentorship has guided students into impactful careers in academia, clinical settings, and industry. In addition to academia, he shares his insights as a speaker, delivering keynotes on AI, environmental psychology, and virtual reality. Grassini’s work is frequently featured in popular science outlets like Scientific American and Psychology Today, underscoring his mission to deepen our understanding of the human experience amid evolving technological and environmental landscapes.
Featured research
Human vs. AI creativity
The study "Artificial Creativity? Evaluating AI Against Human Performance in Creative Interpretation of Visual Stimuli" by Simone Grassini and Mika Koivisto explores the creative capabilities of AI in comparison to humans using the Figural Interpretation Quest (FIQ). Results show that while AI is flexible in generating diverse interpretations, human creativity is rated higher in subjective assessments. The research highlights that although AI can outperform humans in certain aspects, such as generating semantically varied ideas, it still falls short of the complex perceptual depth of human creativity. These findings underline the ongoing challenges in replicating human-like creative thinking in AI, suggesting that AI, while innovative, complements rather than fully substitutes human creativity.
The study "The Restorative Effects of Mental Imagery of Nature: A Study on Subjective and Physiological Responses" investigates how imagining natural environments aids stress recovery. Results show that nature imagery significantly enhances subjective feelings of relaxation and physiological indicators of relaxation, such as heart rate variability, compared to urban imagery. Participants with a stronger connection to nature experienced amplified restorative effects. These findings highlight nature imagery as a potential, cost-effective therapeutic tool for stress management, suggesting that even mental engagement with nature can foster relaxation and well-being.
Wellbeing Benefits of Imagining Natural Environments
Featured in the Media
Discover how our research has gained recognition and appeared in various media outlets.
Trusted by Experts
Media Coverage
Get in Touch
For inquiries or collaboration, please reach out. I look forward to connecting with fellow researchers and students in psychology.
simone.grassini@uib.no