Human conversation depends on a remarkable capacity to remain present, aligned, and actively involved with another person. This ability, often referred to as interactional engagement, is expressed through subtle, moment-to-moment signals in the body and voice, while also being supported by covert mechanisms in the nervous system.
The EnTiTy project has examined engagement as a multi-level phenomenon shaped by emotions, technology, and socio-cultural aspects. In this closing seminar on June 11 2026, we present key findings on how engagement is expressed in conversation through bodily cues and vocalisations, and how it manifests in brain activity and autonomic nervous system dynamics. We also demonstrate how language and socio-cultural background shape engagement.
Bringing together Finnish interaction researchers and world-leading experts in social neuroscience and sociolinguistics, the seminar highlights how conversation is shaped through the body, language, and technology, and how engagement manifests in human behavior and biology.
Keynote speakers:
Diana Tamir, Professor, Princeton University, Social Neuroscience Lab
Judith Holler, Professor, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition & Behaviour, Radboud University (presentation via Teams)
Other:
Ville Harjunen, PI, University of Helsinki, Interaction Analysis Lab, project leader
Markus Söderman, doctoral researcher, University of Helsinki, Interaction Analysis Lab
Santeri Lepistö, doctoral researcher, University of Helsinki, Interaction Analysis Lab
Pyry Heikkinen, doctoral researcher, University of Helsinki, Interaction Analysis Lab
Jan Lindström, Professor, University of Helsinki, Department of Scandinavian languages and literature
The event is free of charge and open to anyone interested.
The seminar language is English. You can participate in the seminar either on-site in Helsinki or join online via Teams.
Save the date! Registration will open in the beginning of May.