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Human Behavioural Neuroscience Lab

The Human Behavioural Neuroscience Lab (HBNL) advances research and innovation to understand, promote, and protect brain function across the human lifespan.

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AI image of a brain with neurones flying around it

Under the leadership of Professor Lauren Owen, Dr Zoe Kolokotroni and Dr Kata Pauly-Takacs, the Human Behavioural Neuroscience Unit specialises in cognitive, psychobiological, nutritional and psychopharmacological research. Our mission is to provide an environment that supports the highest standards of scientific inquiry, underpinned by Leeds Beckett University’s state-of-the-art facilities and resources designed to meet the complex demands of human research.

The HBNL brings together researchers with expertise in the assessment of psychological health, cognition and brain function. Our research seeks to advance understanding of a wide range of health conditions, including viral encephalitis, substance misuse, disordered eating, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and dementia. Beyond the study of disease, we are committed to promoting mental health and wellbeing across the lifespan by investigating the complex interactions between factors such as nutrition, stress and environmental challenges.

Much of our work focuses on understanding cognitive processes and mood responses to a variety of interventions, including physical activity, herbal extracts, psychoactive compounds, nutraceuticals, phytochemicals and dietary supplements. Through this research, we aim to generate evidence that informs strategies to support cognitive health, psychological wellbeing and healthy ageing.

Funders and collaborators

Collaboration and knowledge exchange are at the heart of the HBNL. We have established successful partnerships with universities, healthcare organisations and industry partners across the UK and internationally, enabling innovative and impactful research.

Our researchers regularly publish in leading academic journals, contribute to scholarly books and present their work at national and international conferences. Through these collaborations, the HBNL advances scientific understanding of human behaviour and brain function while supporting the translation of research into real-world applications that benefit health, wellbeing and society.

Our facilities

Scroll through our facilities by using the arrows.

  1. Clinical Trial Software – Trialflare

    Trialflare is a clinical research management platform used to support the planning, delivery and monitoring of research studies. The platform integrates key functions including clinical trial management (CTMS), electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO), electronic case report forms (eCRF), electronic trial master files (eTMF) and electronic consent (eConsent) within a single compliant system.

  2. Online Survey Tools

    We utilise a range of online survey platforms to support the design, administration and analysis of research projects. These tools enable researchers to collect data efficiently from participants in both in-person and remote settings, supporting a wide variety of academic, education and institutional research activities. Our survey platforms facilitate secure data collection, flexible study design and scalable participant engagement across diverse research populations.

  3. Cognitive Testing Suites

    The HBNL provides access to a range of computerised cognitive testing suites designed to assess functions such as attention, memory, executive function, processing speed and decision-making. These suites support the delivery of standardised cognitive tasks and can be adapted to meet the specific requirements of individual research studies and participant groups.

  4. Standardised Assessments and Measures

    The HBNL provides access to an extensive range of standardised assessments and validated measures used to assess cognition, behaviour, psychological health and development across the lifespan. These instruments support high-quality research by enabling the collection of reliable and comparable data across a wide variety of study populations and research contexts. 

Person completing an online task on a laptop computer, representing digital survey and research participation.
Participant completing a CANTAB cognitive assessment on a touchscreen device while a researcher monitors and records responses in a psychology laboratory.
A close up view of a hand holding a pen ticking a paper survey box

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  1. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)

    Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that delivers a low-intensity electrical current through electrodes placed on the scalp. The technology is used in research to investigate the role of specific brain regions in cognitive and motor process and to explore how neural activity may be influenced under controlled experimental conditions.

  2. BIOPAC MP36R

    The BIOPAC MP36R is a research-grade data acquisition system used to record a range of physiological signals, including electrocardiography (ECG), galvanic skin response (GSR), respiratory rate and electrooculography (EOG). Its four-channel configuration enables the simultaneous collection of multiple physiological measures, supporting a wide variety of psychophysiological and behavioural research applications. Data acquisition and analysis are conducted using BIOPAC's AcqKnowledge software platform.

  3. BioSemi Active EEG system (64-Channel)

    The BioSemi Active EEG system provides high-resolution recording of neural activity using 64 active electrodes positioned according to the standard 10-20 electrode placement system. Data is typically acquired at a sampling rate of 512 Hz, enabling detailed investigation of brain function and cognitive processes across a wide range of experimental paradigms. 

  4. Tobii Pro Eye Tracker

    Our Tobii Pro eye-tracking system enables precise measurement of visual attention and gaze behaviour in real time. The technology allows researchers to examine how individuals attend to, process and interact with visual information, providing detailed insights into cognitive and behavioural processes. The system has been used in studies investigating attentional bias towards drug-related cues in substance use research, as well as supporting wider applications in cognition, perception and human behaviour.

  5. Shimmer

    Shimmer sensors are wearable devices designed to capture high-quality physiological data, including electrodermal activity (EDA), heart rate and movement. These sensors enable researchers to investigate psychophysiological responses such as stress, arousal and emotional reactivity in both laboratory-based and real-world settings. Their portability and flexibility make them well suited to studies requiring continuous physiological monitoring across a range of environments.

A demonstration TDCS attached to a white mannequins head
A standalone front view of a BIOPAC MP36R unit
BioSemi EEG data acquisition unit used for recording electrical activity from the brain in neuroscience research.
Participant using a Tobii Pro eye-tracking system while viewing text on a computer monitor during a research study.
A raised right hand with a white Shimmer module attached to the wrist and two cables running from the module to straps on the index and middle fingers

Scroll through our facilities by using the arrows.

  1. Phlebotomy Laboratory

    Our dedicated phlebotomy laboratory supports the collection of blood samples for the analysis of a wide range of peripheral biomarkers, including hormones, inflammatory markers and indicators of metabolic health. The facility also enables the assessment of biomarkers associated with drug exposure, supporting research across neuroscience, psychology, nutrition and health-related disciplines.

  2. Sample Processing

    Our in-house sample processing facilities utilise specialist equipment, including centrifuges and microplate readers, to prepare and analyse biological samples. These capabilities enable efficient sample handling, separation and processing, helping to maintain sample integrity and streamline laboratory workflows. 

A male in lab clothing preparing a participant for blood taking in a phlebotomy lab
Researcher loading biological samples into a laboratory centrifuge during experimental sample processing

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Participate in our research

Take part in research at Leeds Beckett University and help advance our understanding of human behaviour, health and brain function. Participants may receive compensation for their time.
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