Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Social Interaction (NEVIA) Group

Head: Univ.-Prof. Christine Falter-Wagner

Advancing the Science of Social Interaction:

Our lab is dedicated to unraveling the complexities of human social interaction through the lens of social cognitive neuroscience. We investigate how the brain processes and responds to social cues, examining the neural and behavioural dynamics underlying our interactions with others. Our research spans cognitive and social neuroscience and utilizes innovative methods such as digital phenotyping and remote (bio)sensing through portable devices to capture behaviours and physiological responses in real-world settings.

A key focus of our research is on nonverbal communication and the qualitative differences in various communicative behaviours, as well as their integration, such as through gaze and gestures. We are particularly interested in the temporal dynamics and coordination of these behaviours at both dyadic and intraindividual levels, whether in interactions with other humans or virtual characters.

Through behavioural experiments, motion analysis, facial expression analysis, speech pattern analysis, eye-tracking, psychophysiological measurements, and neuroimaging, we aim to uncover the fundamental mechanisms of social behaviour and how they deviate in neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and disorders of social interaction. Additionally, we are working on developing diagnostic and screening tools to improve the detection and understanding of these conditions. Our interdisciplinary approach aims to deepen the understanding of social cognition and behaviour, paving the way for new interventions that enhance social functioning and contribute to mental health.