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Studying the neural basis of
social & affective processes

The Social & Affective Neuroscience Society (SANS) is committed to research investigating the neural basis of social and affective processes. The Society was founded in 2008 and now comprises over 400 members. One of the main ways that SANS promotes social and affective neuroscience is by holding an annual meeting. 

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Share Your News: SANS Social Media Spotlights


We’re excited to highlight accomplishments from across the SANS community. If you (or someone you know) has a recent paper, grant, award, or other recognition, send it our way using the Spotlight form below. Submissions may be featured on SANS social channels (Bluesky, Instagram, etc.) and in our member communications. Self-nominations and nominations are welcome. One person involved (you, your PI, or the nominee) must have an active SANS membership within the past 12 months.

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SANS Merch store

SANS Merch store

Jun 11, 2024 |

Visit the SANS Merch Store for products from your society or customize to make yourself or your favorite people happy with a gift - great mementos for your lab staff. colleagues and friends. Support...

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What is Social and Affective Neuroscience?

Social and affective neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field of research that seeks to understand phenomena such as group dynamics, interpersonal interactions, social communication, social cognition cooperation, and aggression in terms of interactions among three levels of analysis:

The social level, which pertains to the intrapersonal (cognitive), interpersonal, and inter-group factors that influence social behavior and experience

The affective level, which pertains to the emotional and motivational mechanisms that give rise to social phenomena

The neural level, which pertains to neural and hormonal mechanisms that give rise to social and affective processes

Social and affective neuroscience researchers conduct empirical studies, test hypotheses, and construct theories that consider all three levels of analysis. Research in the field also considers the development of neural processes that support social and affective processes; similarities and differences in social and affective phenomena across species; neurocomputational models that account for observed social and affective phenomena; and clinical and applied implications for typical and atypical social and affective outcomes.

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Join SANS and enjoy many member benefits including reduced conference rates and the ability to vote on society business.

Awards

Learn about our society awards. Information about nominations, guidelines for submission, and a list of all current and previous winners.

Conference

Learn about our next conference to be held in-person in 2026! Information about key dates, submission guidelines and registration.