Michael Gaebler

Dr. Michael Gaebler is a Researcher and Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences in Leipzig, Germany. His Mind-Body-Emotion Group investigates brain-body interactions in health and disease using advanced technologies like virtual reality (VR), neuroimaging, and psychophysiological methods. Key research topics include emotional arousal decoding, brain-heart coupling, and stress physiology. His work bridges cognitive neuroscience, clinical applications, and immersive technologies, with a focus on translational research in neurorehabilitation and mental health.

Education:

• Dr. rer. nat. in Psychology (2010-2013), Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin & Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
• MSc Brain & Mind Sciences (2006-2008), University College London & École Normale Supérieure Paris
• BSc Cognitive Science (2002-2006), Universität Osnabrück

Research Interests: The group employs lab-based and real-world methodologies to study mental processes across lifespan and emotional states. Current projects explore:

• Physiological responses in VR environments
• Heart-brain interactions during emotional experiences
• Neuroimaging biomarkers for stress and aging
• Applications of AI in neuroscience data interpretation

Key Tools:

• AffectTracker: Real-time emotion monitoring in VR
• Excite-O-Meter: Heart activity integration in VR experiments
• OpenVirtualObjects: Standardized 3D object library for VR research

Grants & Collaborations: Active collaborations with Max Planck Dahlem Campus of Cognition and Leipzig Research Centre for Civilization Diseases (LIFE). Funded projects include EU Horizon and German Research Foundation (DFG) grants.