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

27.08.2026
 

Have you ever wondered what it's like to do an internship at the SCAN-Unit? Or what the experience is like as an international student? Take a look at...

 Media

15.07.2026
 

Keine Sommer mehr wie damals?

 Faculty News

11.08.2026
 

Umbau am Standort Liebiggasse 5

26.08.2026
 

In a registered randomized controlled study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, we found that participants rated brief virtual...

20.06.2026
 

Politics Under the Spell of Emotions

27.07.2026
 

Aktuelle Ausschreibungen der Fakultät

04.08.2026
 

The SCAN-Unit is looking for a part-time postdoc, please find all details here:...

09.05.2026
 

“A collaboration of several SCAN Unit members with colleagues at the University of Birmingham on the study ‘Psychological interventions that decrease...

15.07.2026
 

Als Postdoc-Universitätsassistentin am Institut für Klinische und Gesundheitspsychologie