Translational Social Neuroscience

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Research focus

Social interactions and the resulting social modulation processes influence a variety of organ systems and clinically relevant processes. The mechanisms underlying these social modulation effects are not yet fully understood. In current studies, we investigate the social modulation of learning and decision-making processes and their impact on mental (e.g., anxiety, depression) and physical health (e.g., pain).

We employ neuroscientific methods (functional magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography) and psychophysiological measures (heart rate, skin conductance), combined with experimental paradigms from cognitive and social psychology and simulations of social interactions in virtual reality. Through smartphone-based surveys (Ecological Momentary Assessments, EMA) and mobile physiological sensors, we examine social modulation processes in daily life.

For data analysis, we utilize hierarchical regression models, multivariate classification approaches, and mathematical modeling approaches (learning models, drift-diffusion modeling, network models).

Team

Prof. Dr. Grit Hein
E-Mail: Hein_G@ ukw.de
Fon: +49 931 201 77411

• Jasper Bischofberger
• Lea Göllner
• Julian Gutzeit
• Annalena Jachnik
• Dr. rer.nat. Luca Kaiser
• Emilia Caya Lampe
• Dr. rer. nat. Rosa Maidhof
• Kartik Rai
• Fabian Rothbauer
• Dr. rer. nat. Martin Weiß
• Yang Xu

Publications

Publications of the working group can be found here or on pubmed.
Click here for media coverage of our work.
Please also visit us on Bluesky or Mastodon.

Third-party Funding (selection of current projects)

German Research Foundation

• Neural mechanisms of (mal)adaptive approach and avoidance behaviour
• Clinical Research Unit ResolvePAIN
• Heisenbergprofessur and Research grants, e.g., focusing on social motives

Teaching

The focus of our teaching responsibilities lies in the field of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, as well as in the international Master's program "Translational Neuroscience." Additionally, we offer courses in the areas of "Digital Medicine" and "Prevention."