Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics

How do we tell the difference between a human voice and a computer-generated one? A recent study shows that our perception depends not only on the quality of the voice, but also on the content and our own language skills. Out now: s.gwdg.de/DmhxAi

The question I get most after talks about music and mental health: "But what about people who just listen to music?" Most of us never pick up an instrument, we engage with music through listening... New paper on music listening, mental health & genetics doi.org/10.1016/j.jadr…

Neuroscience, music, and exciting discussions at the CoBIC Scientific Opening Symposium: From April 20 to 21, 2026, renowned international speakers provided two days of fascinating presentations and scientific exchange. Many thanks to all guests and partners!

What makes a design a classic? At our Library Talks with Viktoria Heinrich, we explored how objects like the Ulm Stool or Mayday lamp carry stories and become icons over time. A big thank you to everyone who contributed to such a great evening!

The first talk of our Thinking Design series is approaching: On April 23, Anke Haarmann from Leiden University (NL) will discuss “Epistemological Aesthetics: How Practices of Design Lead to Insights.” Join us on at 6:30 p.m. in our ArtLab Foyer. More info: s.gwdg.de/gKAjol

The #CoBIC Scientific Opening Symposium — two days of scientific exchange, fresh ideas, and collaboration with distinguished speakers. 📍 Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main 📅 April 20-21, 2026 Click here to register: indico.ae.mpg.de/event/39/

During our next LibraryTalk, Design Historian Viktoria Lea Heinrich will talk about displaying design objects in museums and how to convey their history and meaning. Join us! April 16, 2026, 6 p.m. MPIEA Library, Frankfurt am Main Talk in German More: ae.mpg.de/LibraryTalks

We’re excited to launch our discussion series Thinking Design! As part of the World Design Capital Frankfurt RheinMain 2026, we explore how design shapes perception and generates knowledge. Join us for 6 talks running from April to November. More info: ae.mpg.de/ThinkingDesign…

Unfortunately, the concert had to be canceled at the last minute for health reasons. Further information will be provided in due course.

Unfortunately, the concert had to be canceled at the last minute for health reasons. Further information will be provided in due course.

At the “Creative Musical Dialogues Between Humans and Machines” concert, pianists David Dolan and Fredrik Ullén will improvise live with the AI system JHAIMI, which was developed by Oded Ben-Tal. 📍 Tuesday, March 31, 2026, MPIEA More info & registration: ae.mpg.de/musicaldialogu…

#FrankfurtHatHirn – Live took place yesterday evening at jugend-kultur-Kirche sankt peter in Frankfurt. Our booth and flash talks by Julia F. Christensen and Sophie Perizonius offered insights into our research on the human brain. Thanks to everyone making this event possible!

We’re hiring!📢 We are offering a postdoctoral position at the Department of Cognitive Neuropsychology. More information here: ae.mpg.de/7teslajob

An evening of conversations and inspiration. At #LibraryTalks, we discussed with Thomas Meinecke the intersections of his novels and music, a collective writing processes with the audience, and an AI that recognizes itself in the title “I as Text.”  Thanks to everyone involved!

The study is part of the “Experimental Concert Research” project, which collects insights into concert experiences and music enjoyment. More information on the research project: experimental-concert-research.org

What influences our concert experienc🎵 Researchers at our Institute, with the Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media and the University of Cologne, have found that the aesthetic experience varies depending on the concert format. Read the Paper: doi.org/10.1057/s41599…

If you are in London, don’t miss this exciting event where human musicians and AI-inspired systems come together! Performance and research-led discussion with our Director Fredrik Ullén, David Dolan, and Oded Ben-Tal at @guildhallschool. More information: s.gwdg.de/q8Zoc1

#Author & #musician #ThomasMeinecke works at the intersection of literature & music and will share insights into his writing process during our next #LibraryTalk. Don't miss it! 📅Feb 5, 2026, 6pm 📍MPIEA Library, Frankfurt am Main 🗣️Talk in German More: s.gwdg.de/h1uy03

New paper alert! 🎉 Congrats to the whole team! 👏

Giacomo’s work highlights the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to the study of aesthetics and was shaped by his time as a student at the @MPS_cog at the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics.

Congratulations! Giacomo Bignardi has received the Frank X. Barron Award for his superior contributions to the psychology of aesthetics, creativity, and the arts as a student. The Awards Committee, led by the @APA, honors his research on genetic effects on the perception of art.