Michael Smith

Michael Smith


Michael E. Smith is an applied neuroscientist and consumer insights professional, with over three decades of experience in basic and applied research in the human brain and behavioral sciences. He serves as Principal Scientist at Adaptation Research, a strategy consultancy focused on developing brain-based insights into sustainable human behavior, and is author of the recent book “Inspiring Green Consumer Choices: Leverage neuroscience to reshape marketplace behavior” (2021, Kogan-Page, London). Previously Michael served as Vice President of Consumer Neuroscience at the market leading research firm Nielsen (now NielsenIQ); President of CorTechs Labs, a software company focused on commercializing AI-based quantitative brain imaging tools for precision medicine; Program Director for Cognitive Neuroscience at the US National Science Foundation; and Principal Neuroscientist at SAM Technology, a groundbreaking R&D organization focused on neuroscience R&D targeting problems in neurology and human factors engineering. He has also served in research and teaching positions in a variety of academic settings. Michael earned a PhD with a focus on the neuroscience of cognition from UCLA and an MBA with a focus on marketing from UC Berkeley.