Welcome to the

Mind/Brain Research Lab (MBRL)

The theoretical and experimental work conducted in our lab aims at obtaining a better understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying the interactions between self-consciousness, volition and emotion.  A special emphasis is also put on the neural basis of spiritual experiences and spirituality (see the "Research interests" section).

For experimental studies, subjective, behavioral and psychophysiological measures are combined with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), tensor diffusion imaging (TDI), positron emission tomography (PET), magnetoencephalography (MEG), electroencephalography (EEG) and intracerebral recordings.

The results of the studies carried out so far in our lab indicate that healthy humans possess the ability to modulate, in a conscious and volitional way, neuroelectrical and neurochemical processes associated with emotions. This ability, which plays a key role in socioemotional development, is implemented via specific areas of the prefrontal lobe. Another series of studies conducted by our research team have led to the identification of pivotal brain regions in various spiritual states.