About research at the Department of Clinical and Biological Psychology
The Department of Clinical and Biological Psychology conducts research on the relationships between the brain, behaviour, cognition, language, and health. Research activities range from basic studies of brain function to clinical research on sleep, stress, mental health, neuropsychology, and communication disorders.
Research profile
The department combines experimental, biological, and clinical approaches to investigate how brain processes influence behaviour, experience, and health. Research is conducted in close collaboration with healthcare services, patients, and society, using methodologies such as neuroimaging, EEG, laboratory-based experiments, behavioural studies, and clinical data.
Research at the department contributes to improved assessment, treatment, and prevention of health conditions. Studies provide new knowledge about how sleep and stress affect mental health, how the brain processes language and sensory information, and how neurobiological mechanisms relate to psychological disorders.
Research findings are applied in clinical practice, healthcare, education, and public health initiatives.
The department has strong research environments in:
- Clinical psychology and psychotherapy research
- Biological psychology
- Cognitive neuroscience
- Neuropsychology
- Sleep and stress research
- Language and communication disorders
- Brain imaging and neuroimaging methods
- Mental health and psychological disorders
Research groups
Research groups combine basic and applied research, creating strong links between laboratory-based science and clinically relevant questions.
Research infrastructure
The department has several laboratories and extensive research infrastructure.
The Behaviour, Sleep and Stress Laboratory and the Electrophysiology Laboratory are located in the Biomedical Building (BBB).
These facilities provide researchers with access to advanced equipment for studying brain function, physiological responses, and human interaction. They support basic research, method development, and interdisciplinary collaborative projects.
In addition, the department operates the Pshycological University Clinic at Alrek Health Cluster, which includes therapy rooms, testing facilities, a video laboratory, and a light laboratory for research and clinical training.
Electrophysiology Laboratory and MRI Research
The Electrophysiology Laboratory consists of five Faraday-shielded rooms with adjustable lighting and modern computer equipment. The facilities support research on brain activity, physiological responses, and human interaction. We offer advanced equipment for a range of neuroscience methods.
EEG (Electroencephalography)
EEG measures electrical brain activity with millisecond precision. The laboratory has two stationary 64-channel EEG systems (BrainProducts BrainAmp) and one mobile 64-channel system (BrainProducts ActiCHamp). The EEG equipment also includes electrode caps that can be used in MRI studies.
Contact persons: Senior Engineer Ryan McCardle and Research Infrastructure Coordinator, Associate Professor Daniela Pfabigan.
fNIRS (Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy)
fNIRS is used to measure blood flow in the cerebral cortex. The NIRx NIRSport2 system is also suitable for hyperscanning, allowing simultaneous measurements from multiple participants.
Contact persons: Senior Engineer Ryan McCardle and Professor Karsten Specht.
Psychophysiological Measures
Psychophysiological data are collected using Biopac systems (MP35 and MP150). These systems enable recordings of skin conductance, cardiac activity, respiration, and muscle activity. Multiple physiological signals can be measured simultaneously.
Contact persons: Senior Engineer Ryan McCardle and Professor Karsten Specht.
TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)
TMS enables non-invasive modulation of cortical activity using magnetic pulses. The laboratory also offers neuronavigation, which integrates stimulation with individual brain scans to ensure precise targeting.
Contact persons: Senior Engineer Ryan McCardle and Professor Marco Hirnstein.
tDCS (Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation)
tDCS uses weak electrical currents to non-invasively influence activity in specific brain regions.
Contact persons: Senior Engineer Ryan McCardle and Professor Marco Hirnstein.
Eye Tracking
Eye tracking can be performed using either a screen-based system (Tobii Pro Fusion) or wearable glasses (Pupil Core). These methods are used to study gaze patterns, visual attention, eye movements, and pupil responses.
Contact person: Senior Engineer Ryan McCardle.
Acoustic Research Equipment
The laboratory provides specialised equipment for auditory research, including speakers, headphones, microphones, mixers, and tools for the presentation and calibration of acoustic stimuli.
Contact person: Senior Engineer Ryan McCardle.
MRI Research
MRI is a central tool in the department’s research on brain function in health and disease. MRI studies combine brain imaging with psychology, neuroscience, and clinical data. The infrastructure and methodological expertise support research on language, cognition, emotions, and mental health disorders. MRI research is conducted in collaboration with the Department of Radiology at Haukeland University Hospital (Helse Bergen).
Contact persons: Senior Engineer Alexander Craig-Craven and Head of the fMRI Research Group, Professor Karsten Specht.
Combining Multiple Methods
Many of our research projects combine several methods to provide a more comprehensive understanding of brain function and behaviour. The laboratory also includes a dedicated hyperscanning facility with two identical recording chambers. This setup makes it possible to study synchronisation between two individuals using EEG or psychophysiological measures.
International collaboration
Several research groups participate in international projects and research networks.
The Bergen fMRI Group is internationally recognised for its research in cognitive neuroscience and brain imaging. The group has received European Research Council (ERC) funding and collaborates with universities, hospitals, and research institutions worldwide.
The Behaviour, Sleep and Stress Research Group (BSSG) maintains active national and international collaborations within sleep, stress, and health research.
Collaborate with us
Researchers, healthcare professionals, institutions, and industry partners are welcome to explore collaboration opportunities with the department.
Possible forms of collaboration include:
- Joint research projects
- Clinical studies and intervention research
- Shared use of research infrastructure
- PhD and researcher training
- National and international research networks
Prospective PhD candidates can apply through the PhD programme at the Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen.