Joel F. Lubar

Joel F. Lubar (November 16, 1938 – February 9, 2024) was an American psychologist and neuroscientist. He worked on the development of neurofeedback and its application in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Lubar served as a professor emeritus at the University of Tennessee, and made contributions to neuroscience, applied psychophysiology, and quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG).^[1]

Joel F. Lubar was born on November 16, 1938. He earned his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees from the Division of Biological Sciences and the Department of Biopsychology at the University of Chicago in 1963.

Lubar began his academic career as an assistant professor at the University of Rochester (1963–1967). He later joined the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), where he served as associate professor (1967–1971) before becoming a full professor in 1971. He remained there until his retirement as professor emeritus.^[2]

Lubar held editorial roles with scientific journals, serving as regional editor for Physiology and Behavior (1969–1988), associate editor for Biofeedback and Self-Regulation, and editor for the Journal of Neurotherapy. Additionally, he co-directed the Southeastern Neurofeedback Institute starting in 1979.^[3]

Joel Lubar is known for developing EEG biofeedback (neurofeedback) protocols for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In controlled studies conducted in the mid-1970s, Lubar demonstrated that modifying electroencephalographic (EEG) activity—specifically by increasing beta waves and decreasing theta waves—was associated with reductions in hyperactivity. These neurofeedback protocols have since been adopted by more than 1,500 clinics worldwide.^[3]

Lubar's research also extended to epilepsy management, cognitive enhancement, and quantitative EEG (QEEG) analysis aimed at understanding complex cognitive processes. A 1992 study published in Pediatric Neurology reported distinct QEEG patterns in children with attention-deficit disorder (ADD), which is now known as inattentive-type attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, compared to non-ADD controls.^[4]

Lubar authored over 150 peer-reviewed articles, numerous book chapters, and eight books on neuroscience and applied psychophysiology. Notable works include:

• Biological Foundations of Behavior (1969)^[2]
• Behavioral Approaches to Neurology (1981)^[5]
• Physiological Bases of Behavior (1982)^[5]

Lubar held several leadership roles in professional organizations:

• President of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB)
• President of the EEG Division of AAPB
• Founding President of the Biofeedback Society of Tennessee
• President of the International Society for Neuroregulation & Research (ISNR)^[3]
• Board of Directors member for the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America (BCIA)^[1]

Lubar received several accolades during his career:

• Fellow of the New York Academy of Sciences^[3]
• Biofeedback Pioneer Award from AAPB^[3]
• UTK Chancellor's Faculty Research Scholar title^[5]
• Listed among Stanford University's top 2% most-cited scientists globally in 2019^[6]

Joel F. Lubar died on February 9, 2024, at the age of 85.^[3] He is recognized for his contributions to neuroscience, particularly in advancing neurofeedback as a non-invasive treatment for ADHD and other neurological conditions.