The inaugural Summer School on "Moral Judgements and (Un)Ethical Behavior successfully concluded on August 28, 2025.
From August 24-28, this pioneering event, funded by the KSG foundation brought together an interdisciplinary group of young researchers from all over the world. The program was designed to equip participants with the skills needed to conduct experimental research in normative contexts. It provided our young researchers with practical tools to design and conduct their own experiments, while also raising awareness among empirically trained researchers—such as economists and psychologists—about the unique challenges and ethical considerations that arise when applying empirical methods to normative questions.
The week began with an introduction by Prof. Philipp Schreck (Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg), who set the stage by clarifying the relevance of empirical research for business ethics theory.
Lectures and Workshops
Over the course of five days, participants engaged with leading international scholars including Agne Kajackaite (University of Milan / WZB Berlin), Andreas Ostermaier (Zeppelin University), Gari Walkowitz (TU Freiberg), and Fabio Galeotti (CNRS Lyon). Through a mix of lectures, roundtables, and hands-on workshops, they learned how to identify researchable questions, design experiments, and translate findings into meaningful academic contributions.
Industry Insight
A highlight was the talk by Florian Artinger (Simply Rational), who illustrated how behavioral research informs decision-making in business practice. This session bridged the gap between academic inquiry and real-world application, underscoring the societal relevance of experimental ethics research.
Community and Exchange
Beyond the academic program, the Summer School fostered collegial exchange. Shared meals, social outings, and informal discussions offered space for participants to connect, exchange ideas, and build lasting networks across disciplines and countries.
The launch of this Summer School marks a significant milestone for the Doctoral Academy, reinforcing its commitment to fostering a supportive community of researchers dedicated to business and leadership ethics. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Karl Schlecht Foundation, the Friede-Springer Foundation, as well as the Leucorea for their generous support, which made this enriching academic experience possible.
For those interested in future events, check out our website for more information about the upcoming Winter School and Writing Retreat in Wittenberg.