Asher Cohen

Asher Cohen is an esteemed Israeli psychologist and the 14th President of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, a position he has held since 1 September 2017. He holds the university's Samuel Sturman Chair in Psychology. Cohen's academic journey began at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he earned a B.A. in Economics and an M.A. in Psychology. He furthered his education with doctoral and post-doctoral studies at the University of Oregon. Cohen's early career saw him as a senior lecturer and Assistant Professor at Indiana University, after which he returned to the Hebrew University in the early 1990s to join the Department of Psychology.

Throughout his career, Cohen has made significant contributions to cognitive sciences, particularly focusing on the relationship between human perception systems and response mechanisms during rapid motor tasks. He developed a theoretical model predicting how abilities decline when performing two tasks simultaneously. His leadership roles have included serving as the head of the Department of Psychology from 2008 to 2012 and as the university's Rector from 2012 to 2017. In these roles, he led initiatives to recruit top researchers, create new academic programs, and enhance the student experience. Beyond his academic and leadership roles, Cohen has been involved in various organisations, including heading the Association of Senior Academic Faculty and serving on the board of the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning. He is married and has two children.