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

19.11.2025
 

Our latest article explores the neural foundations of empathy in BPD, showing heightened emotional responses, difficulties regulating emotions, and...

 Media

22.09.2025
 

Lab head Claus Lamm featured in a univie podcast, where he talks about what happens in our brains during empathy, his new research focus on...

 Faculty News

22.10.2025
 

A Global Study Says Maybe Not

10.07.2025
 

New multi-lab study with contributions by Claus Lamm & his group on how beliefs in climate change are shaped by extreme weather events in Nature...

01.11.2025
 

Als Gastprofessor für Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologie

21.10.2025
 

Cross-country study across 68 nations found significant variation in how people engage with science: how much science they encounter, where they get...

25.06.2025
 

Interview with Claus Lamm on aggression in Austrian society

Lab head Claus Lamm was interviewed live in Austrian Radio flagship news "Ö1 Mittagsjournal" on increasing aggression in Austrian society, its...

01.11.2025
 

Als Organisationsassistentin am Institut für Arbeits-, Wirtschafts- und Sozialpsychologie und am Institut für Klinische und Gesundheitspsychologie