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4th Workshop Behavioral Economics
From 27 to 29 August 2025, the fourth Behavioral Economics Workshop took place in the Aula Academica of Clausthal University of Technology at the invitation of Prof. Dr. Roland Menges and Prof. Dr. Fabian Paetzel.
For three days, current research questions on cooperation, trust, incentives, circular economy and digital markets were the focus of the scientific exchange.
A special highlight in addition to the specialist presentations was the joint hike through the Oberharzer Wasserregal. Fresh air, a slice of mining history, light refreshments and a hiking quiz ensured a successful combination of science and community.
One of the main topics was the presentation of the Lower Saxony Panel, a central project within the "Behavioral Economics and Social Transformation" science area, which has been funded by the Volkswagen Foundation with 2.43 million euros since October 2024. It involves 14 professorships and around 30 research assistants; one postdoc, four doctoral positions and one administrative position have been newly filled. The aim is to initiate and intensify research collaborations, introduce Master's students to doctoral studies at an early stage and strengthen social transfer. With its quasi-representative pool ofat least 5,000participants, the Lower Saxony Panel represents a central infrastructure for online experiments and surveys in the long term. Results from the first surveys were presented and discussed at the workshop.
Prof. Dr. Fabian Paetzel commented:
"The Lower Saxony Panel gives us the opportunity to systematically analyze heterogeneities and to closely link basic as well as applied research. With the help of the panel, Lower Saxony can understand how the people of Lower Saxony "tick", what their wishes, ideas and attitudes are. I am also delighted that the Institute of Economics, with Prof. Heike-Yasmin Schenk-Mathes, Prof. Roland Menges and myself, is actively involved in shaping this and is part of such an important instrument."
In the evening, the physical well-being was taken care of: the conference dinner took place in a cozy atmosphere in the traditional Harz "Glück Auf" restaurant in Clausthal - a successful highlight, where culinary enjoyment met collegial encounters and inspiring discussions.
Prof. Dr. Heike Y. Schenk-Mathes, part-time Vice President for Gender Equality, International Affairs and the Promotion of Young Scientists, was once again on site in several roles - as a representative of the institute, as a member of the research team in the Science Room and as a representative of the Clausthal University of Technology Executive Board. She welcomed the participants on behalf of the Presidential Board and emphasized not only the importance of this event, but also the social relevance of research in the field of behavioral economics.
In conclusion, Prof. Dr. Fabian Paetzel praised the dedicated organization, the outstanding contributions and the open, constructive exchange. He emphasized that the workshop had not only provided valuable impetus for research, but had also sustainably promoted networking within the community - and thus made a significant contribution to the future of behavioural economics and the scientific community.
