Aaron Schurger

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Aaron Schurger is a leading neuroscientist whose research sits at the intersection of volition, consciousness, and brain-machine interfaces (BMIs). His work has fundamentally reshaped how we understand the neural origins of spontaneous action and decision-making. Schurger is best known for his groundbreaking theoretical and experimental contributions to the "readiness potential" debate, challenging the classic interpretation that this brain signal reflects an unconscious decision to act. Instead, he proposed that it arises from stochastic fluctuations in neural activity, a theory that has garnered over 1,000 citations and redefined the conversation around free will. In applied neuroscience, his 2017 paper on "Cortical and subcortical mechanisms of brain‐machine interfaces" (45 citations) advances the technical decoding of real-time brain signals for controlling external devices, from robotic arms to communication systems. Schurger’s work bridges fundamental questions about agency with practical BMI development, making him a pivotal figure in both cognitive neuroscience and neuroengineering. His research continues to inspire students and researchers exploring the neural basis of human volition and its technological applications.