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

21.01.2026
 

Alexandra Heinz, Sara Binder, and Tobias Reimann have recently started their PhD at the SCAN-Unit. They share a bit about their projects and...
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 Media

06.01.2026
 

Interview with Lab head Claus Lamm regarding empathy and emotion regulation and public reactions in the context of the fire catastrophe in Crans...
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 Faculty News

21.01.2026
 

Internationales Fachbereichsranking
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07.01.2026
 

In a preregistered systematic review and meta-analysis published in Nature Mental Health, we show that exposure to nature is associated with...
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03.12.2025
 

In der Folge "Was wir von Extremsportlern lernen können"

Link zur Sendung:...
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19.01.2026
 

Als EDV-Beauftragter im IT-Service am Dekanat
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11.12.2025
 

Over the past 50 years the lyrics of popular songs in the USA have become simpler, more negative, and contain more stress-related words, according to...
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02.12.2025
 

Im Artikel "Tote Python im Wiener Haus des Meeres: Warum musste die Riesenschlange sterben?"
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01.11.2025
 

Als Gastprofessor für Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologie
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