Dr Proulx, whose research focuses on cognitive behaviours such as attention, perception, learning and memory, has been recognised for his significant and unusual contributions to psychology. Most recently, Dr Proulx led research into a revolutionary tool that helps blind people to use sounds to build an image in their minds of the things around them.

His research takes an innovative approach to understand the psychological and neural links to human behaviour, including looking at the impact of visual impairment. He also collaborates extensively with electronic engineers and computer scientists to develop new applications for his research.

The APA awards the honorary title ‘Fellow’ to members who have shown evidence of unusual and outstanding contributions in the field of psychology. Fellows are recognised for having achieved something extraordinary and highly significant which has had an impact on psychology at a national and international level.

Commenting on the recognition he said: “To be elected Fellow of the American Psychological Society is an amazing recognition. I take great pride in classifying myself as a psychologist, rather than as a neuroscientist, biologist or even cognitive scientist.

“I see great benefit in drawing upon my research experience in nearly all fields of psychology represented by the APA, and I look forward to finding new ways to serve the field at a new level.”

The APA is the largest, and one of the oldest, professional organisations in the world representing psychologists, with around 135,000 members.