As social neuroscience matures as a field, its relevance to pressing real-world challenges has never been more apparent. This one-day pre-conference symposium brings together researchers at the forefront of applied social neuroscience to examine how neural insights can inform interventions, public policy, and societal understanding across multiple domains.
With a strong emphasis on translational research, societal engagement, and methodological reflection, the symposium highlights both the potential and the responsibility of social neuroscience in the 21st century. Each thematic section will be introduced by a senior expert and feature short contributions from Early Career Researchers (ECRs), followed by focused discussion.
Programme Structure
- 13:30 – Welcome and informal discussions over coffee
- 13:50 – Welcome address (Grit Hein)
Session 1
- 14:00 – Topic 1: Artificial Intelligence and Human Interaction
Chair: Jan B. Engelmann- Introduction by Senior Researcher – 10 min
- Flash talk (ECR) – 7 min
- Flash talk (ECR) – 7 min
- Discussion – 5 min
- 14:30 – Topic 2: Clinical and Health Applications
Chairs: Henryk Bukowski, Grit Hein- Introduction by Senior Researcher – 10 min
- Flash talk (ECR) – 7 min
- Flash talk (ECR) – 7 min
- Discussion – 5 min
15:00 – 15:15 – Break
Session 2
- 15:15 – Topic 3: Environmental and Climate Neuroscience
Chair: Claus Lamm- Introduction by Senior Researcher – 10 min
- Flash talk (ECR) – 7 min
- Flash talk (ECR) – 7 min
- Discussion – 5 min
- 15:45 – Topic 4: Societal and Political Applications
Chair: Daniel Campbell-Meiklejohn- Introduction by Senior Researcher – 10 min
- Flash talk (ECR) – 7 min
- Flash talk (ECR) – 7 min
- Discussion – 5 min
16:15 – 16:30 – Break
ECR Panel Discussion
16:30 – 17:15
Chair: Grit Hein
Open discussion with questions from the audience and prepared prompts from the ESCAN SIG on Social Neuroscience.
This pre-conference symposium is open to all ESCAN delegates and is particularly relevant for researchers interested in translational social neuroscience, societal impact, and cross-sector dialogue.
Social Neuroscience: How Can We Bridge the Gap from Basic Research to Societal Impact?
Pre-Conference Symposium – ESCAN 2026
Organised by the ESCAN SIG on Social Neuroscience
As social neuroscience matures as a field, its relevance to pressing real-world challenges has never been more apparent. This one-day pre-conference symposium brings together researchers at the forefront of applied social neuroscience to examine how neural insights can inform interventions, public policy, and societal understanding across multiple domains.
With a strong emphasis on translational research, societal engagement, and methodological reflection, the symposium highlights both the potential and the responsibility of social neuroscience in the 21st century. Each thematic section will be introduced by a senior expert and feature short contributions from Early Career Researchers (ECRs), followed by focused discussion.
Programme Structure
Session 1
Chair: Jan B. Engelmann
Chairs: Henryk Bukowski, Grit Hein
15:00 – 15:15 – Break
Session 2
Chair: Claus Lamm
Chair: Daniel Campbell-Meiklejohn
16:15 – 16:30 – Break
ECR Panel Discussion
16:30 – 17:15
Chair: Grit Hein
Open discussion with questions from the audience and prepared prompts from the ESCAN SIG on Social Neuroscience.
This pre-conference symposium is open to all ESCAN delegates and is particularly relevant for researchers interested in translational social neuroscience, societal impact, and cross-sector dialogue.