Neuroeconomics Research Center
About the center
The Neuroeconomic Research center explores the neural and psychological underpinnings of economic behavior, merging neuroscience, psychology, and economics to study how people make decisions. This research center's establishment falls in line with Plekhanov University in Dubai's ongoing mission to conduct innovative research that contributes to the UAE’s knowledge-based economy and addresses local socio-economic needs.
Vision
The Neuroeconomics Research Center at Plekhanov University in Dubai aims to become the leading center in the Middle East for interdisciplinary research that integrates economics, neuroscience, and psychology to advance understanding of human decision-making. By pioneering research that improves economic outcomes and well-being, the center will provide insights into consumer behavior, financial decision-making, and public policy, supporting the UAE’s knowledge economy and informing evidence-based policies across sectors such as education, finance, and public health.
Objectives
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Conduct high-impact fundamental and applied research on how brain processes drive economic decisions, published in leading journals.
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Develop academic offerings in neuroeconomics to train students and mentor young researchers in this emerging field.
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Secure diverse funding sources to sustain research efforts, including government grants and corporate partnerships.
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Engage in knowledge transfer by translating research findings into practical, actionable outcomes, including policy briefs for government agencies and advisory reports for businesses.
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Expand impact through hosting workshops for policymakers and industry practitioners to apply neuroeconomics findings, thereby broadening societal impact.
Areas of Interest
1
Decision-Making
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Intertemporal Choice
5
Neuropsychology of Risk and Reward
2
Behavioral Economics & Consumer Behavior
4
Interdisciplinary Methods & Applications
6
Neurobehavioral Modeling
About the Director
Dr. Alex Jones
Director of the Neuroeconomics Research Center at Plekhanov University in DubaiDoctor of Philosophy in Leadership
Founder of National Leadership Association
Associate Professor
Dr. Alex Jones is a leadership expert with over 25 years of academic and professional experience across the GCC, United States, and Africa in roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Director of Training and Education, and Academic Chief Officer. He has served in various leadership roles in academia, including Dean of two colleges, in the United States. He is the co-author of Disleadership: 30 Must-Know Models for Sustainable Organizations, and has published extensively in indexed journals. His approach in academia involves blending neuroscience, strategy, and human behavior across teaching different disciplines.