Life Solved Live: Who Really Makes the Decisions? And Why?

The University of Portsmouth is set to host an insightful event exploring the psychology of decision-making in an increasingly complex world and examining the evolving role of artificial intelligence in shaping strategic choices across organisations, industries, and policymaking. 

An inaugural lecture is one of the most prestigious Life Solved Live events and is a celebration of a professor’s career and the impact their research can have. 

On Wednesday, 10 June, the public, staff and students are all invited to attend Life Solved Live: Who Really Makes The Decisions? And Why?  

This event features two fascinating researchers exploring the science behind who’s really in charge of the day-to-day decisions we make, alongside the growing role of artificial intelligence influencing strategic choices in science, technology, and innovation. 

Professor Wolfgang J Luhan from the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance will broaden our understanding of the systematic differences between making decisions for yourself and for others, while highlighting the growing recognition that many of the most important decisions shaping our lives are not made by us alone. 

Professor Luhan said: “At first glance, decision-makers appear to act responsibly, aiming to do what’s best for the ones they are responsible for. But they do not simply follow others’ preferences. Instead, they rely on their own judgement of what is appropriate.  

“We also observe seemingly opposing patterns: decision-makers act carefully and are protective of others, yet even small personal gains can outweigh moral concerns and social norms. 

“Taken together, these findings show that decision-making for others is a distinct behavioural environment in which incentives, responsibility, and judgement interact in systematic ways, often producing outcomes that standard choice models struggle to capture” 

Professor Sercan Ozcan from the School of Strategy, Marketing, and Innovation will look at how artificial intelligence is changing our understanding of developments in science, technology, and innovation. He will uncover the opportunities and limitations of how AI is used for organisations, industries and policymakers when making strategic decisions. 

Professor Ozcan added: “I’ll discuss how methods such as text mining, machine learning, large language models, and data-driven forecasting can be used to generate richer, more timely intelligence from large and complex sources. I will also reflect on issues of interpretation, reliability, and responsible use. 

“Bringing together insights from research and practice, I’ll show how AI can support a more systematic and forward-looking understanding of innovation, while raising important questions about how knowledge is produced, evaluated, and applied in an increasingly data-rich world.” 

The event will take place at the University of Portsmouth’s Portland Building on Wednesday, 10 June, between 6:00pm-8:45pm. 

For more information and to book your free place, visit Life Solved Live: Who Really Makes the Decisions? And Why Eventbrite page. 

Image credit: University of Portsmouth