Human Connection Science Lab

Vision statement by Floris

Now is a crucial time for humanity. We edge towards irreversible climate change. We face some of the greatest population displacements in recorded history. We encounter profoundly different visions over how we should live together and what we value.

If we want to hope to even begin to address these challenges we need to have difficult conversations about topics that matter deeply. Yet all too often such attempts at dialogue fail miserably. Sometimes we may even want to give up altogether. What gets in the way? And why? What would allow us to have these conversations constructively?

In this lab we study these profoundly important questions. We use any tool we can get our hands on. We don't shy away from brain scans nor from introspective, qualitative inquiry. We study real humans in settings that come as close to reality as we can muster. We draw from diverse literatures on psychology, dialogue, empathy and yes we even do the odd psychophysics experiment.

I suppose we are an unruly bunch of folks who simply refuse believe that this challenge is too hard. I feel humanity can and will rise to these tremendous challenges. Are you ready to believe in it too?