SENSE-MMC - The Highly Sensitive Brain Across the Lifespan: Methods, Markers, and Contexts
This Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), titled SENSE-MMC – The Highly Sensitive Brain Across the Lifespan: Methods, Markers, and Contexts, offers an interdisciplinary exploration of Environmental Sensitivity (ES) (Pluess, 2015; Lionetti et al., 2018; Greven et al., 2019; Cadogan & Setti, 2023) through the lens of neuroscience, psychology, and advanced research methods.
While ES has gained visibility in popular science and social media, this BIP aims to provide a scientific foundation for understanding it across research and applied contexts. The programme explores ES as a biologically based, non-pathological trait that shapes how individuals process and respond to environments, with both vulnerabilities and strengths.
Students will gain a solid grounding in ES and its relevance to development, wellbeing, and psychopathology in family, educational, work, and societal settings.
Aligned with the European agenda on inclusivity, diversity, and neurodiversity, the BIP reflects the spirit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, promoting a society where everyone has the right to flourish.
The BIP combines theoretical, empirical, and practical components, adopting a highly
interactive and student-centered approach and is organized in 6 modules (M):
M1: Child Development
UNIPV and University of Surrey
It explores the foundational role of ES in child development. Students will examine how ES
interacts with the family, peers and the school context to shape developmental outcomes,
drawing on current empirical evidence and theoretical models.
M2: Ageing
University College Cork
Focusing on middle-aged and older adults, this module investigates the potential
implications of ES for ageing and how the effect of ageing can combine with the trait in
creating vulnerabilities and strengths.
M3: Career Development and Adjustment
WSEI
It provides a scientific perspective on how ES affects the academic and professional
trajectories of sensitive students and employees. Students will explore the unique needs,
strengths, and strategies relevant to supporting sensitive individuals in educational and
workplace settings.
M4: Neurodiversity
UNIPV and Radboud University Medical Center
This module clarifies conceptual boundaries between ES and neurodevelopmental
conditions such as ADHD and Autism Spectrum Conditions. It emphasizes the importance of
accurate differentiation for research, clinical practice, and inclusive education.
M5: Psychophysiological Markers
All Partners
This interdisciplinary module introduces students to the biological and behavioral
underpinnings of ES. Emphasis will be placed on understanding markers such as autonomic
nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system activity across different life stages.
M6: Research Methods
UNIPV and WSEI
Students will develop competencies in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
The module includes training in statistical analysis and the study of individual differences
using cutting-edge tools as STAN programming language.
The virtual component includes 25 hours of structured activities, complemented by
approximately 20 hours of independent study and collaborative project work. Together
with the 5 days of in-person training, this ensures an overall workload of
approximately 80–85 hours, in line with the 3 ECTS awarded.
The programme will take place in person at UNIPV.
The programme will be held between April and June 2026.
- The virtual part will start in April 2026
- The physical mobility period will be 15/06/2026 - 19/06/2026
University of Pavia students: please contact Prof. Francesca Lionetti
University College Cork students please contact Prof. Annalisa Setti
WSEI University students please contact Prof. Monika Baryla-Matejczuk