Super-recognisers: The rare few who never forget a face

A small but remarkable group of people possess an extraordinary talent for recognising faces. Known as super-recognisers, they can identify individuals even after decades or in poor conditions. Now, neuropsychologist Meike Ramon has developed a testing method to spot these rare abilities—and some European police forces are already putting them to use.

Most adults can recall around 5,000 faces, with some reaching up to 10,000. Super-recognisers, however, far exceed this range. They also show distinct brain activity, with EEG scans revealing stronger and more efficient responses in facial recognition areas.

One test subject demonstrated this skill firsthand. At St. Gallen train station, they identified a stranger from a childhood photo based purely on a feeling of familiarity. Later, in a coffee bar, the same person recognised a woman after hearing her name—despite not initially placing her due to the years that had passed. Ramon's multi-stage protocol helps confirm such abilities. While the test subject scored above average, full confirmation as a super-recogniser requires further assessment. Only one to two percent of people meet the criteria. Their unique skills have caught the attention of law enforcement. Several European countries, including Switzerland in cities like Bern and Winterthur, now recruit super-recognisers. They assist in criminal investigations and searches for missing persons, where facial recognition can make a critical difference.

The use of super-recognisers in policing is expanding across Europe. Their ability to match faces under difficult conditions offers a valuable tool for investigations. As testing methods improve, more of these rare individuals may soon join the effort to solve cases and locate missing people.