Ai © Ai

Our research

In the ConTakt lab, our research is broadly divided into two topics

a) the description of the dynamics and consequences of coordination in groups and
b) the neurophysiological basis and consequences of social affective touch.

learn more Our research

Recent activities

virtualtouch © TUD
Journal publication

With an innovative study design accompanying virtual touch with real life affective touch, we found that haptic feedback greatly enhances various dimensions of VR touch experience. We advocate the incorporation of haptics in immersive virtual worlds.
teap2025conferencelogo © TeaP2025
Conference presenta­tion

Merle Fairhurst will present as keynote speaker at the TeaP 2025 (General Psychology Section of the German Psychological Society) with a talk on “Coordinating with others in time and through touch”.
bodyimagefront © TUD
Datasets / tools

After the submission of a recent paper tracking differences in touch preferences across different age groups, our virtual touch toolkit dataset and analysis pipeline has been extended. For anyone interested in using our topographical bodymap tools, do not hesitate to reach out!
neuro_physio_AT © neuro_physio_AT

Research

Our research investigates the way in which we use our senses to understand the world and others in it. 

  • Our experimental approaches capture the dynamic way in which we perceive, process and respond to sensory social cues. 

  • Our projects highlight the benefit of a multilevel perspective to explain the way we experience the world using neurophysiological measures, subjective report (including microphenomenology) 

  • We strive to create research that is generalisable, open and impactful