Coordinator: Prof. Tiago Arruda Sanchez

The laboratory conducts research based mainly on neuroimaging to do research in cognitive neurosciences, psychiatry, neurology, among others. Structural and functional neuroimaging techniques are used to study the brain and its associations with cognitive and behavioral functions in patients and healthy subjects, with special interest in: cognitive resources, social cognition, attention, emotional regulation, affective states, mental imagery and sensorimotor integration. The scientific projects address the nervous and cardiorespiratory systems with application in mental health including studies about depression and anxiety disorders, chronic pain and psychopharmacology.

Students and alumni who have participate in research are linked to one of these 3 stricto sensu post-graduation programs at UFRJ: Psychiatry and Mental Health (PROPSAM), Radiology and Cardiology. An interdisciplinary team of researchers have been created to deal with several ongoing projects, which is characteristic of modern cognitive neuroscience. 

In addition to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and other advanced neuroimaging methods, the lab also has resources and expertise in heart rate variability (HRV) measurements, biofeedback, cognitive and behavioral testing including psychometric scales.

Most of the resources were acquired in projects approved for financing by national and international development agencies, including FAPERJ, CAPES and CNPQ. In addition, some projects are multicentric and have partnerships with public and private institutions.