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.

For further information on the research we do click here.

For information on our lab mission click here.

 News

21.06.2024
 

New review paper on the link between shared representations and prosocial behavior, and its relevance for clinical conditions.

How do changes in pain processing systems affect prosocial behavior in pain-related clinical conditions such as chronic pain?

 Media

25.01.2024
 

Machen gewalthaltige Videospiele weniger empathisch?

Lukas Lengersdorff spricht in einem Beitrag des SWR2-Impuls über den Einfluss von Videospielen auf die Empathie.

 Fakultäts News

08.05.2024
 

für Migrationsforschung der ÖAW

10.05.2023
 

Emotionen lesen

In der Sendereihe "Die Antwort auf fast alles" von arte tv spricht Claus Lamm in Folge 42 - "Können wir Gedanken lesen?" über Emotionen.

25.03.2024
 

... ist neu eingerichtet worden. Was sie erforscht und wer zu ihr gehört, hat man uns freundlicherweise in diesem Portrait zusammengestellt:

09.01.2024
 

Our latest paper shows the importance of effort costs when considering how prosocial behaviour changes under acute stress

How much effort is involved in helping others and our existing prosocial tendencies could be key to understanding acute stress effects on prosocial...

05.05.2023
 

Wut & Rassismus

In einem Ö1-Beitrag spricht Claus Lamm über Wut und was passiert, wenn man sie permanent unterdrückt.

20.03.2024
 

Elisabeth Zeilinger im FWF-Portrait