SUMMER SCHOOL 2025
Cognitive Foundations of Decision-Making
June 30 – July 4, 2025, in Ghent, Belgium
The summer school aims to build cognitive foundations for the modelling and measurement of decision-making under risk and over time by pooling insights from neuroscience, psychology, and economics. The ultimate goal is to move toward an integrated, neuro-biologically founded understanding of decision-making.
This is the second edition of the summer school. For last year's edition, see here.
Application Procedure:
Apply by sending an email to cognitive.foundations@ugent.be Applications should contain 1) a short CV; and 2) a letter detailing your motivation for attending the summer school (max 1 page)
Detailed Information:
Below you can find detailed information on the summer school and how to apply. In case of questions, please contact Ferdinand Vieider at cognitive.foundations@ugent.be or at ferdinand.vieider@ugent.be
Period:
June 30 – July 4, 2025, inclusive
Location:
Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
Organizers:
Ferdinand Vieider (Ghent University)
Ranoua Bouchouicha (Ghent University)
Rava A. da Silveira (CNRS and University of Basel)
Speakers and Topics:
The list below is subject to updates, as we are currently still waiting for the final confirmation of some speakers.
Rava Azeredo da Silveira (CNRS and University of Basel)
Neural Coding, Cognitive Representation, and Decisions
Elise Payzan-LeNestour (UNSW Business School)
The Neuro-biology of Financial Decision-Making
Ryan Oprea (University of California at Santa Barbara)
The Cognitive Revolution in Economics
Arthur Robson (Simon Fraser University)
Biological Foundations of Economic Behavior
Additonal speakers to be announced
Target Audience:
Young researchers interested in the cognitive basis of decision-making as a way of furthering our knowledge and understanding of decision-making processes. The summer school is open to PhD students, postdocs, junior assistant professors, and advanced master students interested in these topics and regardless of formal (disciplinary) study background. However, a solid understanding of standard models of decision-making such as (subjective) expected utility theory, discounted utility theory, and of behavioural generalizations of these models is highly desirable to be able to follow the lectures.
Structure and philosophy
Mornings and most early afternoons are dedicated to lectures on the topics described above. The rest of the afternoon is reserved for students to pitch research ideas/papers to other students and faculty, and to get feedback on models or experimental designs (on a voluntary basis). These feedback sessions will be organized in small, targeted groups, and may include other students, speakers, as well as other RISLab members. The idea is to create a format that allows for the informal exchange of ideas amongst students and faculty.
Application:
The summer school will accept a maximum of 30 applicants. Applications should include the following documents:
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A short CV
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A letter of interest detailing the candidate’s motivation (max 1 page)
In case of over-subscription, a selection will be made based on the motivation and background of the candidates.
Please submit you application by email to cognitive.foundations@ugent.be
Amenities:
The summer school will take place at Ghent University in Ghent, Belgium. The subscription fees of €400 includes participation in the summer school, all lunches, and coffee breaks. It also includes a welcome reception on Monday evening, and two dinners. The additional dinners and accommodation are not included in the fee. We will, however, reserve some hotel rooms in Ghent for the duration of the summer school that you can book. We can also coordinate stays in double rooms for students to lower costs if desired.
Fees:
Regular Fee: € 400
Deadline:
28 February, 2025
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis as they come in up to the deadline, or up until all available attendence slots are filled.
