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

06.03.2025
 

The findings of our study contradict the common belief that stress and negative emotions lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms.
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 Media

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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 Faculty News

01.02.2025
 

Als Universitätsassistentin (prae doc) am Institut für Psychologie der Kognition, Emotion und Methoden
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05.03.2025
 

We organized a surprise party for Giorgia Silani at our lab meeting this week.
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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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01.02.2025
 

Als Universitätsassistentin (post doc) am Institut für Psychologie der Kognition, Emotion und Methoden
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26.02.2025
 

Our lab organized a sporty social event in the center of Vienna.
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29.11.2024
 

Lab head Claus Lamm is interviewed for Terra Mater science TV show on the power of social media.
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22.01.2025
 

Studienfach Psychologie auf Platz 51 (Vorjahr: 54)
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