Research

Research Centers

The research center for "Engineering Social and Economic Institutions" (ESEI) hosted by the Chair for Organizational Design studies the creation of novel, more flexible institutions using an approach that combines theory, laboratory experiments, and practical policy. The focus at ESEI is to solve major open design problems and to gain an improved understanding of new mechanisms for auctions, trading, matching, voting, social learning and networking.

Shanghai Skyline

The research center for "Institutions, Policy, and Culture in the Development Process" hosted by the Chair of Macroeconomics and Politcal Economy studies issues in macroeconomics, growth, globalization, and technological change, with particular emphasis on the economic development of China.

Laboratories

In addition to its world-renowned Laboratory for Experimental and Behavioral Economics , the Department recently established the Laboratory for Social and Neural Systems Research. This laboratory combines cutting-edge brain imaging technologies with non-invasive brain stimulation, neuropharmacology, and computational modeling to explore the biological mechanisms that underlie economic decision making.

The Laboratory for Social and Neural Systems Research (SNS Lab) is a newly founded research center funded through a generous donation by Branco Weiss and the University of Zurich. This interdisciplinary laboratory aims to shed light on the principles underlying social and neuronal systems.