In March, 20 international PhDs explored experimental research methods related to moral behavior and business & corporate ethics
The Spring School covered the fundamentals of experimental research in the context of normative issues. The event began with an introduction by Prof. Philipp Schreck (University of Halle-Wittenberg), followed by Prof. Agne Kajackaite (University of Milan), who addressed the role of empirical research in normative theories of business ethics. An interdisciplinary roundtable featuring Prof. Agne Kajackaite, Prof. Philipp Schreck, Prof. Marco Meyer, and Prof. Jana Friedrichsen also highlighted the similarities and differences in experimental designs across various disciplines.
Prof. Andreas Ostermaier (University of Kiel) demonstrated how to identify appropriate research questions for behavioral science studies and when experimental methods are particularly useful. Another focus was on the practical implementation of experimental studies. During the session, Prof. Gari Walkowitz (TU Bergakademie Freiberg) explained how research questions can be translated into a compelling experimental design. Building on this, participants discussed their own study ideas in interactive workshops and further developed them collaboratively. Finally, Prof. Fabio Galeotti (CNRS) addressed the question of how empirical data can be analyzed and research findings communicated in an understandable way.
In addition to methodological content, the program also offered insights into communicating research findings beyond academia. In the interactive session with Dr. Mengchen Dong (Max Planck Institute), participants learned how to pitch studies using behavioral science methods to audiences outside the academic world.
As with all Doctoral Academy events, informal interaction played a central role. Shared meals, coffee breaks, and a guided tour of Lutherstadt Wittenberg provided opportunities for networking and discussion. The interdisciplinary participants came from numerous international universities in Europe and beyond, including Erasmus University Rotterdam, Aarhus University, the University of Michigan, ESSEC Business School, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, and the University of Innsbruck.
The Spring School is part of the Doctoral Academy, which supports doctoral students in their academic development. In addition to the Spring School, the program also includes the Summer School “Normative Arguments & Practical Implications” (August 30–September 3, 2026) and writing retreats (the next one will take place December 6–10, 2026).
For more information, visit: https://doctoral-academy.de