How do we understand others?

What are the neural bases of our emotions?

How is our social behavior shaped by the brain?

 

These are just some of the questions the SCAN-Unit (Social, Cognitive, and Affective Neuroscience Unit) has been investigating since its formation in 2010. We are a group of international researchers who combine psychological theory with cutting edge neuroscientific methodology to study the biological basis of human's social and emotional life.

Our special research focus lies on the neuroscience of empathy. We have made and continue to make essential contributions to our understanding of how people share the feelings of others and take their point of view. This research enterprise is complemented by research activities in the fields of decision making, moral behavior, and mental health.

Further information on the research we do.

Information on our lab mission

 News

01.07.2025
 

Exposure and attribution: What predicts climate policy support?

 Media

10.07.2025
 

New multi-lab study with contributions by Claus Lamm & his group on how beliefs in climate change are shaped by extreme weather events in Nature...

29.06.2025
 

Multi-Region Investigation of ‘Man’ as Default in Attitudes

25.06.2025
 

Interview with Claus Lamm on aggression in Austrian society

Lab head Claus Lamm was interviewed live in Austrian Radio flagship news "Ö1 Mittagsjournal" on increasing aggression in Austrian society, its...

29.06.2025
 

Annual meeting of the Society for the Improvement of Psychological Science

02.06.2025
 

Magdalena Boch compares the neural bases of social abilities in animals and humans, and how this brought her all the way to Oxford.