Pioneering innovative methodologies to explore the brain bases of human values and beliefs
Who We Are
We are an international virtual center advancing research, education, and innovation in the neuroscience of values and beliefs.
This initiative is a collaboration between the IDOR Institute for Research and Education (Brazil), the Centre for Affective Disorders at King’s College London (UK), and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab at Northwestern University (USA), with support from the IDOR Pioneer Science Initiative.
Research Areas
Goals
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Investigating human values and beliefs through an integrated lens of neuroscience, psychology, and cultural studies, generating both profound scientific insights and real-world applications for mental health, education, and intercultural understanding.
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Creating a vibrant network that shares knowledge and resources across borders, with a strong commitment to integrating Brazilian researchers into the global scientific community.
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Developing advanced tools and approaches to explore the neuroscience of beliefs, enriched by diverse cultural and spiritual perspectives.
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Translating discoveries into interventions that harness beliefs and cognitive processes to foster resilience, emotional well-being, and positive behavioral change.
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Engaging communities worldwide to deepen understanding of how values and beliefs shape the brain, decision-making, and human connection.
Scientific Leadership
Jorge Moll
IDOR – Pioneer Science
Neuroscience | fMRI | Brain | Emotion | Moral
“Human values are not abstract ideas — they are lived experiences rooted in the brain and expressed through connection and care.”
Jordan Grafman
SRALab
Rehabilitation | Cognitive neuroscience | Prefrontal cortex | Executive function | Neuropsychology
“Beliefs shape how we see the world — understanding their neural foundations helps explain who we are and how we act.”
Roland Zahn
King's College London
Social cognition | Moral | Emotion | Semantics | Major Neurocognitive Disorder | Depression | Bipolar | Neuropsychiatry
“Only by understanding the experience of distinctive symptoms (phenomenology) and linking those with specific neurocognitive mechanisms will we be able to advance our understanding and treatment of mood disorders.”