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

25.09.2026
 

His research contributes to shaping how we understand our relationship with nature, especially during stress and pain

 Media

15.07.2026
 

Keine Sommer mehr wie damals?

 Faculty News

25.09.2026
 

In tiefer Trauer müssen wir das Ableben von em. o. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Giselher Guttmann verkünden.

25.09.2026
 

A new commentary published in One Earth involving former and current lab members highlights an often-overlooked consequence of climate change: its...

20.06.2026
 

Politics Under the Spell of Emotions

22.09.2026
 

Ausschreibung

22.09.2026
 

A friendly competition among friends

09.05.2026
 

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

09.09.2026
 

Bis zu € 20.000 Förderung für innovative Technologien mit Bezug zu einer oder mehreren der "grünen" EU-Missionen