Welcome

Research in the Behavioral Economics & Addictions Neuroscience Laboratory (BEAN Lab) at the University of Kansas combines behavioral science and neuroscience methods to understand causes, consequences, and treatments for addictive disorders and related mental health disorders. Our research examines factors that contribute to  decision-making in people who use substances, the behavioral and brain basis of motivation to use alcohol and other drugs, and the effects of environmental contexts and physiological states on addictive behaviors. Our hope is that our work will lead to improvement in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of these disorders. 

The lab is directed by Dr. Michael Amlung, an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Behavioral Science and Associate Director for Training in the Cofrin Logan Center for Addiction Research and Treatment at the University of Kansas.  The lab was founded in 2015 at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada where Dr. Amlung was previously a faculty member. The lab relocated to the University of Kansas in 2020. 

The KU BEAN Lab is committed to training the next generation of scientists in addictions, mental health, and behavioral science. Dr. Amlung is frequently recruiting new graduate and undergraduate students to join the lab.  Visit Join the Lab page for more information.

We invite you to browse this website to learn more about the lab.