Chris Frith is a neuropsychologist whose experiments have helped us to understand the major symptoms of schizophrenia — hallucinations and delusions — in terms of the cognitive mechanisms that underlie conscious experience. A pioneer in the application of non-invasive neuroimaging techniques, he used these to study the relationship between the mind and the brain, and in particular the neural basis of consciousness and free will.

He has also been exploring the uniquely human ability to attribute mental states to one’s self and to others and to share conscious experiences. This ability to reflect on and report our experiences is crucial for learning from others and developing culture.

A Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences from 1999, Chris was elected a Fellow of the British Academy in 2008 and an Honorary Fellow of the British Science Association in 2010. He has won numerous medals and awards for his significant contributions to neuroscience, including the 2009 European Latsis Prize alongside his wife, the developmental psychologist Uta Frith — also a Fellow of the Royal Society.