Welcome!

The goal of our research is to better understand individual differences in human behavior, as well as cognitive and emotional processes. One of our primary focuses is to examine the effects of steroid hormones on physiological processes in the human brain and the resulting gender differences in decision-making and learning processes. Another key focus addresses psychoneuroimmunological questions, particularly the influence of mucosal immune responses triggered by the perception of infection-related stimuli.

We combine various psychophysiological methods (fMRI, EEG, heart rate variability, computer games, including those in virtual reality) with classical laboratory analyses (ELISA, Lumiassays) to better understand the behavior-modulating properties of neurophysiological, endocrine, and immunological parameters and their interplay. At UHH, we also collaborate with scientists at the UKE, the Department of Psychology, and the Department of Computer Science (HCI), as well as with external institutions such as INI-Research. International collaborations include partnerships with CNRS, Lyon (France).

We supervise Bachelor's and Master's theses within the Biology program (including Teaching and Molecular Life Sciences). Early contact (around 6 months before the planned start) is recommended.