About CNS

We are idea entrepreneurs. Our research develops and uses innovative transdisciplinary technologies to understand human behavior by measuring brain activity. While our studies may start in our laboratory, we spend significant amounts of time outside the lab, observing and running field experiments on free-roaming humans in all their complexity. Our mission is to identify the neural mechanisms that explain not only what people do on average, but to reveal and embrace the wide variation in human (and animal) behavior. We are necessarily inclusive. CNS researchers come from many disciplines, working in teams in order to improve lives, enhance the functioning of organizations, and advance the flourishing of societies.

The Center for Neuroeconomics Studies (CNS) investigates the neurophysiology of economic decisions. Its researchers draw on economic theory, experimental economics, neuroscience, endocrinology, and psychology to develop a comprehensive understanding of human decisions.

Directed by Paul Zak, the Center for Neuroeconomics Studies examines the basis for selfish and selfless behaviors. The mission of CNS is to help people make better decisions and to identify why some people consistently make bad decisions. CNS conducts research using both healthy subjects and neurologic and psychiatric patients with collaborators worldwide.