Julia Vogt investigates people's behaviour
03/03/2026Making decisions, dealing better with emotions: JMU Psychology alumna Julia Vogt investigates how people can do this and more.
What do graduates of Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) do for a living? In order to introduce students to different perspectives, Michaela Thiel and her team from the central alumni network "Uni Würzburg Community" regularly interview selected alumni.
Today's portrait: Julia Vogt. She studied Psychology at JMU and is currently an Associate Professor in the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences at the University of Reading in the UK. There she heads the Self-Regulation, Emotion and Attention Lab.
Julia, how would you describe your research to a layperson?
My students and I investigate how people control their attention and emotions and how this influences what they perceive and do. For example, we investigate why we sometimes notice certain things in particular, such as emotional stimuli or temptations, and how this relates to our goals, emotions and self-control. Our research helps to understand how people can better manage emotions, make better decisions and overcome difficulties in achieving their goals.
What fascinates you most about your subject?
People are exciting and not always easy to understand because there are so many factors that influence our behaviour. This makes research challenging, but also never boring.
Why is there a growing need for research in your field?
My research helps to understand how people can get a better grip on emotional problems or under which circumstances people live healthier lives, protect the environment or help other people. These are all important issues in today's world and psychology can actively contribute to finding solutions.
How do the British and German research systems differ?
The British system is less hierarchical, there are many more permanent positions, even quite soon after the doctorate, but the positions have much less equipment.
And finally: What is your favourite study memory?
It's difficult to choose one, I had a great time in Würzburg. I have fond memories of simply sitting with friends by the Main. I met some of my most important friends in Würzburg.
Thank you very much for the interview!
Are you not yet a member of the alumni network "Uni Würzburg Community" or Alumni & Friends e.V.? Then you are cordially invited to register! You can do so on the Community website. There you will also find the interviews with JMU alumni and alumnae published so far.
