The application of neuroscience has become an indispensable part of behavioural science. This interdisciplinary approach offers researchers new insights into the complex interactions between the brain, behaviour and the role of the environment. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, scientists can observe brain activity while participants perform various tasks. As of November 2024, Erasmus University Rotterdam will start intensive collaboration with the Erasmus Medical Centre, and a new research-dedicated 3 Tesla MRI scanner will be used to conduct high-quality neuroscientific research.

A wide range of researchers will use the MRI scanner located at the Erasmus Medical Center, including those from the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (ESSB) and Rotterdam School of Management (RSM). Researchers use the scanner for both functional and structural brain research. Think of studying brain activity during cognitive tasks of making choices and analyzing brain structure about psychological factors, individual characteristics and skills Thanks to the collaboration between the various faculties and the Erasmus Medical Center, MRI scans are now more accessible to researchers. This lowers the threshold for conducting neurocognitive studies and increases the research capacity within Erasmus University.

Using fMRI to explore the complex relationship between brain and behaviour

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is an advanced technique that allows researchers to study brain activity during cognitive tasks, such as decision-making. While the structural MRI scanner mainly maps the grey and white matter in the brain, fMRI offers the possibility to observe in real-time which brain areas are active and how they communicate with each other. This technique stimulates collaboration between disciplines, including sociology, business administration, economics, psychology and neuroscience. This development fits perfectly with various research projects at Erasmus University that use fMRI to explore the complex relationship between brains and behaviour.

State of the Art MRI scanning facilities in Rotterdam

Growing Up Together in Society (GUTS)

The consortium ‘Growing Up Together in Society (GUTS)’, led by Prof. Dr. Eveline Crone, is one of the projects that will use fMRI intensively. They investigate how young people develop and can grow up successfully within society. It focuses on social interactions, cognitive development and the role of environmental factors. Using fMRI and other methods, the researchers want to gain insight into the neural mechanisms behind future-oriented behaviour, rewards for self and others and social trust. The GUTS programme also has a second leg in the Erasmus Behavioural Lab, where EEG research is conducted.