Our research

Lifestyle behaviors such as unhealthy eating and physical inactivity contribute significantly to overweight and obesity, which in turn are associated with non-communicable diseases, premature deaths, and reduced quality of life. Our research addresses a broad spectrum of psychological and social determinants of health behavior and examines digital and choice architecture interventions to promote healthier lifestyles. 

To achieve this goal, we employ a wide range of methods, including realistic food replicas in the laboratory and smartphone-based Ecological Momentary Assessments to collect data in participants’ daily lives. We are particularly interested in the validity of (digital) measurement of eating behavior, especially in improving data quality.

At the University of Vienna, we are involved in several interdisciplinary research initiatives and support, in particular, the strategic research priorities „Global Health: physica,, mental and social dimensions of health“ and “Culture, Education, Democracy”. We are part of the research network Health in Society as well as the WHO Collaborating Center for Social and Behavioural Research in Antimicrobial Resistance.

Starting in April 2026, the FWF will fund our contribution to the interdisciplinary project FOOD-FRAMES as part of the first transnational FutureFoodS call. In this project we, together with partners from seven other European countries, will investigate the impact of nutrition-related misinformation and marketing on the eating behavior of the European population.