University of Pisa seeks volunteers to observe art and report emotions

The University of Pisa's Department of Biology has launched a call for volunteers to participate in a study on emotional responses to visual art. Participants will sit at a computer in a quiet room, view images of artworks, and describe what moves them most. The test lasts 10–15 minutes, but individuals may take as much time as needed. The project is coordinated by ethologist Elisabetta Palagi, who explains that studying reactions to art helps understand the processes behind emotions and perception. The research team includes UNIPI student Nader Ayham Ebrahim, Biology Department staff Enrica Pollonara and Daniele Santerini, and external collaborators Fosca Mastrandrea and Fausto Caruana. The study aims to investigate how stylistic complexity and degree of abstraction influence aesthetic experience. To avoid biasing participants, researchers cannot disclose further details. The call opened on April 7 and is open to anyone over 18, regardless of background. Interested individuals can schedule an appointment by emailing etoart@unipi.it and visiting the Department of Biology at Via Volta 6 in Pisa. The goal is to recruit at least 250 participants.