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

12.05.2025
 

Which are the most important predictors of climate-friendly beliefs and behaviors?

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 Media

04.05.2025
 

Lab head Claus Lamm explains the health benefits of humor and laughter and their social and biological functions in a feature of the Austrian kids TV.
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 Faculty News

15.04.2025
 

Als Universitätsassistent (prae doc) am Institut für Klinische und Gesundheitspsychologie
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02.04.2025
 

Für die Forschung sind die Zeiten in vielen Ländern schwieriger und finsterer geworden. Ich lebe und forsche gerne in Wien!
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06.02.2025
 

Interview with Claus Lamm for ZIB 13 on trust in science

Lab head Claus Lamm was interviewed by the Austrian National Television for a news feature (ZIB13) on his recent paper on worldwide trust in...
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01.04.2025
 

Als Universitätsassistentin (prae doc) am Institut für Psychologie der Entwicklung und Bildung
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28.03.2025
 

We are looking for collaborators for an exciting new project investigating how extreme heat affects cognition and behavior.
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28.01.2025
 

Blogpost on misconceptions about statistical power

Lukas Lengersdorff and Claus Lamm were invited to write a "blogpost" on their latest paper on common misconceptions about statistical power in the APS...
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31.03.2025
 

Als Universitätsassistentin (prae doc) am Institut für Psychologie der Entwicklung und Bildung
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