Over the past decades, neuroscience research has made astonishing discoveries that have transformed our understanding and improved our understanding of brain function. This has contributed to the development of new treatments and therapies for various neurological disorders and mental disorders. The convergence of different disciplines has allowed us to address questions fundamental to our understanding of human behaviour, thought and emotion.

Our group is part of this area, the Neurosciences, undoubtedly one of the most exciting areas of research in Health Sciences. The Social Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory (LabNSC) at the Universitat de València is part of the Department of Psychobiology of the Faculty of Psychology and the IDOCAL research institute. Since its beginnings, it has developed research focused on the study of the biological bases of the response to social interactions, especially stressful situations.

Specifically, we are interested in the psychobiological mechanisms involved in stressful situations and their cognitive and affective effects. The research carried out in our laboratory adopts an integrative approach based on the convergence of multiple study methodologies that allow us to advance in the understanding of the effects of stress on the brain and, as a consequence, on psychological processes and behaviour.

In our human studies we employ extensive neuropsychological assessments, electrophysiological recordings and neuroendocrine response analyses, with our target population being both young and old people of both sexes. In addition, we study the effect of stressful situations and the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in healthy people and those with diseases associated with ageing (Mild Cognitive Impairment, Type II Diabetes, etc.). 

Work team

• Pérez, Joana Vanesa