Christian Keysers

Christian Keysers is a leading full professor of Social Neuroscience at the University of Amsterdam and head of the Social Brain Lab at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN). He has held tenured positions since 2000, focusing on the neural basis of empathy, mirror neurons, and social cognition across species.

• Department Head, Social Brain Lab, NIN (2010–now)
• Full Professor, Social Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam (2014–now)
• Full Professor, Social Brain, University of Groningen (2007–2014)

His research explores how mirror neurons and embodied cognition underpin empathy, using neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and animal models. He has pioneered cross-species approaches, linking empathic mechanisms in humans and rodents to prosocial behavior and moral conflict.

Recent publications highlight his work on predictive coding, altruism, and touch interventions. His findings have been published in Nature Neuroscience, Current Biology, and PLoS Biology.

Scientific Awards:

• ERC Consolidator Grant (2012)
• VICI Grant (2016)
• Marie Curie Excellence Grant (2005)
• IPPY Prize for 'The Empathic Brain' (2012)

Keysers actively shapes European research policy as a member of the Future and Emerging Technologies advisory board and the Young Academy of Europe. His book 'The Empathic Brain' won critical acclaim for science communication.