History
Processing, please wait...
Database
search
in
Filter year from
to
Language
Country
  • Enter your search phrase in the search box.
  • General search:
    • The Boolean operator AND between the terms is assumed by default. If you enter the words European Union in the search box, the system returns all records in which both words occur, regardless of their order.
    • When entering a set of words in quotes, e.g "european union", all records containing the literal term "European Union" will be retrieved.
  • Search by access fields (e.g. author, title, etc.):
    • To direct your search, choose the field in which you want to search the word or expression.
    • Search in the field assumes by default the expression in quotes, e.g. European union will retrieve all records containing the literal term "European Union"
  • To perform more complex searches, additional words or expressions may be added.
  • If you want to refine the search results, you can always access the link "search" in the upper left corner of the page of search results.
  • The search engine is not case sensitive. For example, the word congress has the same meaning that Congress or CONGRESS.
  • To truncate your search expression, use the $ character
  • You can filter the results of your search by a date or date range, filling the appropriate boxes.
Base:
BIAL Foundation
Search:
DE:"Social"
Results
1
to
8
from
8
found.
View
Selection Description
Type Title Begin End
File320 - Affiliative Touch & Emotion Regulation2015-102023-10

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2014
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2014 Grants
Start date: 2015-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2014-320
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
320 - Affiliative Touch & Emotion Regulation
Duration: 2015-10 - 2023-10
Researcher(s):
Francis McGlone, Peter Cannon, Ralph Pawling, Susannah Claire Walker
Institution(s): Liverpool John Moores University (UK); Massey University, Albany (New Zealand)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
McGlone, F.
Secondary author(s):
Cannon, P., Pawling, R., Walker, S.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Touch / C-Tactile Afferents / Social / Stress / Psychophysiology
DocumentFinal report - Affiliative touch & emotion regulation2017

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2014
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2014 Grants
Start date: 2015-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2014-320
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
320 - Affiliative Touch & Emotion Regulation
Duration: 2015-10 - 2023-10
Researcher(s):
Francis McGlone, Peter Cannon, Ralph Pawling, Susannah Claire Walker
Institution(s): Liverpool John Moores University (UK); Massey University, Albany (New Zealand)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
McGlone, F.
Secondary author(s):
Cannon, P., Pawling, R., Walker, S.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Touch / C-Tactile Afferents / Social / Stress / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2014-320.01
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Final report - Affiliative touch & emotion regulation
Publication year: 2017
Abstract/Results:
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
C-tactile afferents (CTs) are a recently discovered class of unmyelinated, mechanosensitive nerve, found in the hairy skin of mammals. They respond optimally to slow moving gentle touch typical of caress. Their response strength is positively correlated with subjective ratings of touch pleasantness. It is hypothesised that CTs communicate the rewarding value of touch from conspecifics, providing the neurobiological basis for social support through physical contact.
AIMS
The project utilised psychophysiological and behavioural methods to investigate whether CT touch provides an innate social signal, capable of buffering stress responses.
METHOD
Experiment 1 examined the relationship between poor regulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), indicative of heightened stress, and preference for CT touch. ANS activity was measured using heart-rate variability (HRV) and, as with all experiments CT optimal (1-10cm/sec) and control speeds (<1 or >10 cm/sec) of touch were delivered by an automated robot.
In Experiment 2 stress was measured through startle eye-blink responses to a loud noise. The ability of CT touch to reduce these startle reflexes was compared to both control touch, and socially supportive imagery. In Experiment 3 stress was induced through a cognitively demanding task performed in front of the experimenter. Cardiac and electrodermal activity were measured during performance. Half the participants received CT optimal touch as the task progressed, while the other half received a non-CT-optimal control touch.
RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS
As hypothesised, those participants with low HRV showed significantly reduced sensitivity to the rewarding value of CT activating touch. Initial analyses also provide some indication CT activating touch may carry an innate stress buffering signal, supporting the belief that they underpin social support of mental and physical health through touch. However, further analysis is required to definitively support this conclusion.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
McGlone, F.
Secondary author(s):
Walker, S., Pawling, R., Cannon, P.
Document type:
Final report
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
McGlone, F., Walker, S., Pawling, R., & Cannon, P. (2017). Final report - Affiliative touch & emotion regulation.
Indexed document: No
Keywords: Touch / C-Tactile afferent / Stress / Emotion regulation / Social

Final report - Affiliative touch & emotion regulation

Final report - Affiliative touch & emotion regulation
DocumentThe rewarding properties of C-tactile afferents revealed through evaluative conditioning2016

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2014
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2014 Grants
Start date: 2015-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2014-320
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
320 - Affiliative Touch & Emotion Regulation
Duration: 2015-10 - 2023-10
Researcher(s):
Francis McGlone, Peter Cannon, Ralph Pawling, Susannah Claire Walker
Institution(s): Liverpool John Moores University (UK); Massey University, Albany (New Zealand)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
McGlone, F.
Secondary author(s):
Cannon, P., Pawling, R., Walker, S.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Touch / C-Tactile Afferents / Social / Stress / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2014-320.02
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
The rewarding properties of C-tactile afferents revealed through evaluative conditioning
Publication year: 2016
URL:
http://www.eps.ac.uk/images/epsfiles/2016/2016_durham_programme.pdf
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
The rewarding sensation of touch in affiliative interactions is hypothesised to be underpinned by a specialised system of nerve fibres called C-tactile afferents (CTs), which respond optimally to slowly moving, gentle touch, typical of a caress. In the current study we employed evaluative conditioning to examine whether CT activation carries an innate reward value. Participants rated the approachability of faces pre and post-conditioning. During conditioning, a subset of each participant’s most neutrally rated faces was paired with robotically delivered touch to their forearm. For half the faces touch was delivered at CT- optimal speed, 3cm/second. For the other half touch was delivered at a faster, CT-non- optimal speed, 30cm/second. Heart-rate was recorded during conditioning. A significant touch by time interaction was found. Whilst rated equally approachable pre-conditioning, post-conditioning faces that had been paired with CT-optimal touch were judged significantly more approachable than those paired with CT-non-optimal touch. CT-touch also caused greater heart-rate deceleration than CT-non-optimal touch, during conditioning. The results offer empirical evidence that CT-touch carries affective value which can be imbued to socially relevant stimuli. Our findings support the theory that CT-touch can reduce arousal levels, perhaps underpinning the role of CTs in social support.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Pawling, R.
Secondary author(s):
Trotter, P., Walker, S., McGlone, F.
Document type:
Abstract book
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Pawling, R., Trotter, P., Walker, S., & McGlone, F. (2016). The rewarding properties of C-tactile afferents revealed through evaluative conditioning. Abstract book of the Experimental Psychology Society meeting (pp. 58-59), Durham, UK.
Indexed document: No
Keywords: Touch / C-Tactile afferent / Stress / Emotion regulation / Social

The rewarding properties of C-tactile afferents revealed through evaluative conditioning

The rewarding properties of C-tactile afferents revealed through evaluative conditioning
DocumentGaze-following and reaction to an aversive social interaction have corresponding associations with variation in the OXTR gene in dogs but not in human infants2017

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2016 Grants
Start date: 2017-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016-169
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
169 - The potential effect of behavioral stimulation on social competence in dogs (via endogenous oxytocin release)
Duration: 2017-01 - 2021-11
Researcher(s):
Anna Kis, József Topál, Alin Ciobica, Radu Lefter, Katinka Tóth
Institution(s): Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest (Hungary); Department of Animal Physiology and Behaviour "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University, Iasi (Romania)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress Report
Final Report
Articles
Author: Kis, A.
Secondary author(s):
Topál, J., Ciobica, A., Lefter, R., Tóth, K.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Dog (Canis familiaris) / Social stimutation / Oxytocin / Social cognition / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016-169.06
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Gaze-following and reaction to an aversive social interaction have corresponding associations with variation in the OXTR gene in dogs but not in human infants
Publication year: 2017
URL:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02156/full
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
It has been suggested that dogs' remarkable capacity to use human communicative signals lies in their comparable social cognitive skills; however, this view has been questioned recently. The present study investigated associations between oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) polymorphisms and social behavior in human infants and dogs with the aim to unravel potentially differential mechanisms behind their responsiveness to human gaze. Sixteen-month-old human infants (N = 99) and adult Border Collie dogs (N = 71) participated in two tasks designed to test (1) their use of gaze-direction as a cue to locate a hidden object, and (2) their reactions to an aversive social interaction (using the still face task for children and a threatening approach task for dogs). Moreover, we obtained DNA samples to analyze associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the OXTR (dogs: -213AG, -94TC, -74CG, rs8679682, children: rs53576, rs1042778, rs2254298) and behavior. We found that OXTR genotype was significantly associated with reactions to an aversive social interaction both in dogs and children, confirming the anxiolytic effect of oxytocin in both species. In dogs, the genotypes linked to less fearful behavior were associated also with a higher willingness to follow gaze whereas in children, OXTR gene polymorphisms did not affect gaze following success. This pattern of gene-behavior associations suggests that for dogs the two situations are more alike (potentially fear-inducing or competitive) than for human children. This raises the possibility that, in contrast to former studies proposing human-like cooperativeness in dogs, dogs may perceive human gaze in an object-choice task in a more antagonistic manner than children.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Oláh, K.
Secondary author(s):
Topál, J., Kovács, Z., Kis, A., Koller, D. , Park, S. Y., Virányi, Z.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Oláh, K., Topál, J., Kovács, Z., Kis, A., Koller, D., Park, S. Y., & Virányi, Z. (2017). Gaze-following and reaction to an aversive social interaction have corresponding associations with variation in the OXTR gene in dogs but not in human infants. Frontiers in Psychology, 8:2156. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02156
2-year Impact Factor: 2.089|2017
Times cited: 11|2025-09-16
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q2
Keywords: Genotype / Gaze following / Social / Fear / Genotype / Dog / Human infant

Gaze-following and reaction to an aversive social interaction have corresponding associations with variation in the OXTR gene in dogs but not in human infants

Gaze-following and reaction to an aversive social interaction have corresponding associations with variation in the OXTR gene in dogs but not in human infants
DocumentEnvironmental control and psychosis-relevant traits modulate the prospective sense of agency in non-clinical individuals2019

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2016 Grants
Start date: 2017-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016-195
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
195 - The sense of self: A neuroimaging study of interactions between intrinsic and extrinsic self networks
Duration: 2017-04 - 2019-10
Researcher(s):
Sjoerd Ebisch, Mauro Gianni Perrucci
Institution(s): Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti - Pescara (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Author: Ebisch, S.
Secondary author(s):
Perrucci, M. G.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Intrinsic self / Extrinsic self / Brain network interactions / Neuroimaging / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016-195.03
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Environmental control and psychosis-relevant traits modulate the prospective sense of agency in non-clinical individuals
Publication year: 2019
URL:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053810019301187?via%3Dihub
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
The sense of agency concerns the experience of being the source of one's own actions and their consequences. An altered sense of agency can occur due to task automation and in psychosis. We tested in a non-clinical sample the hypothesis that reducing voluntary task control diminishes intentional binding as an implicit indicator of the sense of agency, possibly interacting with psychosis-relevant personality traits. Agent-device interactions were manipulated obtaining positive-control (voluntary interaction), no-control (automation), and negative-control (device-commanded interaction) groups. The main results showed reduced prospective intentional binding (predictive coding of action consequences) in the no-control and negative-control groups, compared to the positive-control group. Psychosis-like experiences covaried positively with intentional binding in the no-control group, but negatively in the negative-control group. Moreover, positive-social traits were associated with increased intentional binding in the positive-control group. These findings demonstrate the interplay between environmental and individual differences variables in establishing the implicit sense of agency.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Copyright/Reproduction:
By permission
Language:
eng
Author:
Di Plinio, S.
Secondary author(s):
Arnò, S., Perrucci, M. G., Ebisch, S. J. H.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Di Plinio, S., Arnò, S., Perrucci, M. G., & Ebisch, S. J. (2019). Environmental control and psychosis-relevant traits modulate the prospective sense of agency in non-clinical individuals. Consciousness and Cognition, 73: 102776. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.concog.2019.102776
2-year Impact Factor: 2.044|2019
Times cited: 17|2025-09-17
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q2
Keywords: Automation / Automatizing / Device-controlled environment / Environmental control / Intentional binding / Motor intention / Predictive / Prospective / Psychosis / Schizotypal / Sense of agency / Social
DocumentAn encounter with the self: A thematic and content analysis of DMT experiences from a naturalistic field study2023

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2018
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2018 Grants
Start date: 2019-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2018-359
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
359 - A comparison of NN-DMT, Changa & 5-MeO-DMT and the Near-death Experience: Qualitative analyses and reviews of the neuroscience
Duration: 2020/01 - 2024/05
Researcher(s):
Pascal Michael, David Luke
Institution(s): Department of Psychology, Social Work and Counselling, Greenwich University, London (UK); Psychedelic Research Group, Imperial College London (UK)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Michael, P.
Secondary author(s):
Luke, D.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Near-death experience / Dimethyltryptamine/DMT / Phenomenology / Pineal Gland / Psychophysiology and Parapsychology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2018-359.02
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
An encounter with the self: A thematic and content analysis of DMT experiences from a naturalistic field study
Publication year: 2023
URL:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1083356/full
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Introduction:
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is an endogenous serotonergic psychedelic capable of producing radical shifts in an experience that have significant implications for consciousness and its neural correlates, especially given the "disconnected consciousness" suggested by the "breakthrough" DMT state. Its increasing usage and clinical trial indicate the growing importance of a thorough elucidation of the experience's qualitative content, over and above the phenomenological structure. This is particularly in light of the intensely pervasive effects of DMT occasions in all dimensions of the self, which are often ontologically challenging yet potentially transformative.
Methods:
This is the second report on the first naturalistic field study of DMT use exploring its qualitative analysis. Screened, healthy, anonymized, and experienced DMT users were observed during their non-clinical use of the drug at home (40-75-mg inhaled). In-depth semi-structured interviews, inspired by the micro-phenomenological technique, were employed immediately after their experience. This study reports on the thematic and content analysis of one major domain of the breakthrough experiences elicited, the "self"; where analyses of the "other" were previously reported. A total of 36 post-DMT experience interviews with mostly Caucasian (83%) men (eight women) of a mean of 37 years were predominantly inductively coded.
Results:
Invariably, profound and highly intense experiences occurred. The first overarching category comprised the onset of effects, encompassing super-ordinate themes including sensory, emotion and body, and space-time shifts; the second category comprised bodily effects, encompassing themes including pleasurable, neutral/both, and uncomfortable; the third category comprised the sensorial effects, encompassing open-eye, visual, and cross-modal and other; the fourth comprised the psychological effects, encompassing memory and language, awareness and sense of self, and time distortions; and the fifth comprised the emotional effects, encompassing positive, neither/both, and challenging experiences. Many further subthemes also illuminate the rich content of the DMT experience.
Discussion:
The present study provides a systematic and nuanced analysis of the content of the breakthrough DMT state pertaining to one's personal and self-referential experiences of the body, senses, psychology, and emotions. The resonances both with previous DMT studies and other types of extraordinary experiences, such as the alien abduction, shamanic and near-death experiences, are also elaborated upon. Putative neural mechanisms and their promise as a psychotherapeutic agent, especially owing to deep emotional impact, are discussed.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Michael, P.
Secondary author(s):
Luke, D., Robinson, O.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Michael, P., Luke, D., & Robinson, O. (2023). An encounter with the self: A thematic and content analysis of the DMT experience from a naturalistic field study. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1083356. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1083356
2-year Impact Factor: 2.6|2023
Times cited: 7|2025-09-26
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Dimethyltryptamine / Thematic analysis / Naturalistic / Field study / Social / Psychedelic

An encounter with the other: A thematic and content analysis of DMT experiences from a naturalistic field study

An encounter with the other: A thematic and content analysis of DMT experiences from a naturalistic field study
DocumentAn encounter with the other: A thematic and content analysis of DMT experiences from a naturalistic field study2021

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2018
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2018 Grants
Start date: 2019-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2018-359
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
359 - A comparison of NN-DMT, Changa & 5-MeO-DMT and the Near-death Experience: Qualitative analyses and reviews of the neuroscience
Duration: 2020/01 - 2024/05
Researcher(s):
Pascal Michael, David Luke
Institution(s): Department of Psychology, Social Work and Counselling, Greenwich University, London (UK); Psychedelic Research Group, Imperial College London (UK)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Michael, P.
Secondary author(s):
Luke, D.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Near-death experience / Dimethyltryptamine/DMT / Phenomenology / Pineal Gland / Psychophysiology and Parapsychology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2018-359.03
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
An encounter with the other: A thematic and content analysis of DMT experiences from a naturalistic field study
Publication year: 2021
URL:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.720717/full
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Introduction: N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is an endogenous serotonergic psychedelic capable of producing radical shifts in conscious experience. Increasing trends in its use, as well as new trials administering DMT to patients, indicate the growing importance of a thorough elucidation of the qualitative content, over and above structure, which the drug occasions. This is particularly in light of the hyper-real, otherworldly, and often ontologically challenging yet potentially transformative, nature of the experience, not least encounters with apparently non-self social agents. Laboratory studies have been limited by clinical setting and lacking qualitative analyses of experiential content, while online surveys’ limitations lie in retrospective design, uncontrolled use, and both of which not guaranteeing ‘breakthrough’ experiences, i.e., producing very strong psychoactive effects.
Methods: We report on the first naturalistic field study of DMT use including its qualitative analysis. Screened, healthy, anonymised and experienced DMT users were observed during their non-clinical use of the drug at home (40–75 mg inhaled). In-depth semi-structured interviews (inspired by the micro-phenomenological technique) were employed immediately after their experience. This paper reports on the thematic analysis of one major domain of the breakthrough experiences elicited, the ‘other’. Thirty-six post-DMT experience interviews with mostly Caucasian (83%) males (eight female) of average 37 years were predominantly inductively coded.
Results: Invariably, profound and highly intense experiences occurred. The first overarching category comprised the encounter with other ‘beings’ (94% of reports), encompassing super-ordinate themes including the entities’ role, appearance, demeanour, communication and interaction; while the second overarching category comprised experiences of emerging into other ‘worlds’ (100% of reports), encompassing super-ordinate themes of the scene, the contents and quality of the immersive spaces. Many further mid-level themes and subthemes also illuminate the rich content of the DMT experience.
Discussion: The present study provides a systematic and in-depth analysis of the nuanced content of the otherworldly encounter within the breakthrough DMT experience, as well as elaborating on the resonances both with previous DMT studies focusing on entity encounters and other types of extraordinary experiences entailing such encounters. These include the alien abduction, folkloric, shamanic and near-death experience. Putative neural mechanisms of these features of the DMT experience and its promise as a psychotherapeutic agent are discussed in light of such findings.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Michael, P.
Secondary author(s):
Luke, D., Robinson, O.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Michael, P., Luke, D., & Robinson, O. (2021). An encounter with the other: A thematic and content analysis of DMT experiences from a naturalistic field study. Frontiers in Psychology, 12:720717. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.720717
2-year Impact Factor: 4.232|2021
Times cited: 23|2025-09-20
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Dimethyltryptamine / Thematic analysis / Naturalistic / Field study / Social / Psychedelic

An encounter with the other: A thematic and content analysis of DMT experiences from a naturalistic field study

An encounter with the other: A thematic and content analysis of DMT experiences from a naturalistic field study
DocumentHigh frequency heart rate variability is associated with sensitivity to affective touch 2024

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2014
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2014 Grants
Start date: 2015-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2014-320
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
320 - Affiliative Touch & Emotion Regulation
Duration: 2015-10 - 2023-10
Researcher(s):
Francis McGlone, Peter Cannon, Ralph Pawling, Susannah Claire Walker
Institution(s): Liverpool John Moores University (UK); Massey University, Albany (New Zealand)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
McGlone, F.
Secondary author(s):
Cannon, P., Pawling, R., Walker, S.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Touch / C-Tactile Afferents / Social / Stress / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2014-320.03
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
High frequency heart rate variability is associated with sensitivity to affective touch
Publication year: 2024
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114600
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
C-tactile afferents (CTs) are a class of unmyelinated, mechanosensitive nerve fibre that respond optimally to skin temperature, slow moving touch typical of a caress. They are hypothesised to signal the rewarding value of affiliative tactile interactions. While CT firing frequency is positively correlated with subjective ratings of touch pleasantness, trait differences in sensitivity to the specific hedonic value of CT targeted touch have been reported.
Inter-individual differences in vagally mediated, high frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) have been linked to variation in visual social cognition. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between resting state
HF-HRV and sensitivity to socially relevant CT targeted touch.
58 healthy participants first had a 5-minute electrocardiogram. They then rated the pleasantness of 5 randomly presented velocities of robotically delivered touch. Three velocities fell within (1, 3, 10 cm/s) and two outside (0.3, 30 cm/s)
the CT optimal range. Each velocity was delivered twice.
On a group level, affective touch ratings were described by a negative quadratic function, with CT optimal velocities rated as more pleasant than slower and faster speeds. Simple regression analysis confirmed participants’ HF-HRV was significantly predicted by the quadratic curve fit of their touch ratings, with higher HF-HRV was associated with a better quadratic fit.
These findings indicate that, in line with previous observations that higher HF-HRV is associated with enhanced sensitivity to visual social cues, trait differences in autonomic control could account for previously reported individual
differences in CT sensitivity.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Pawling, R.
Secondary author(s):
Pawling, R., Walker, S. C.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Pawling, R., McGlone, F., & Walker, S. C. (2024). High frequency heart rate variability is associated with sensitivity to affective touch. Physiology & Behavior, 114600. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114600
2-year Impact Factor: 2.5|2024
Times cited: 2|2025-09-26
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q2
Keywords: Social / Touch / C-tactile afferent / Affective touch / Heart rate variability

High frequency heart rate variability is associated with sensitivity to affective touch

High frequency heart rate variability is associated with sensitivity to affective touch