Lecturers Book Picks

From brainy illusions to the myth of free will, these books will bend your perception and challenge what you think you know about consciousness.​

Dr. Surya Gayet is a cognitive neuroscientist at Utrecht University, studying how brain activity creates conscious experience. He uses machine learning, neuroimaging, and behavioural research to explore perception, attention, and memory.

Prof. Sandjai Bhulai’s books reflect how he approaches the world: with logic, curiosity, and a drive to make things work better.

From the maths behind smart decisions to clear, no-nonsense thinking about change and communication, his picks show how structure and adaptability go hand in hand—just like in his work on algorithms that solve real-world problems.

Prof. Sandjai Bhulai is a business analytics expert at VU Amsterdam, combining maths, data, and real-world impact. His work tackles decision-making in fields like healthcare, safety, and logistics.​​

Prof. dr. Martijn Burger is a leading expert in happiness economics, exploring how income, work, policy, and place affect our well-being. As Academic Director of the Erasmus Happiness Economics Research Organisation (EHERO), he uses data to uncover what really drives happiness—beyond clichés and quick fixes.

Dr. Guy Shpak is a neuroscientist fascinated by how everyday practices—especially martial arts—reshape the brain and body. His work explores the neurophysiological mechanisms behind movement, breath, and emotion, with a focus on how they can enhance mental well-being.