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

02.06.2025
 

New Neuroimaging PhD Position (4 years) at the SCAN-Unit in the Cluster of Excellence “Neuronal Circuits in Health and Disease”

 Media

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.

 Faculty News

01.06.2025
 

Diversität als Grundwert der Universität und unserer Fakultät

21.05.2025
 

The latest ECHO newsletter features a new Nature Communications study on how nature helps us cope with pain.

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.

15.04.2025
 

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

12.05.2025
 

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

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...

01.04.2025
 

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