During the 103rd Dies Natalis, the university’s birthday, two researchers will receive honorary doctorates for their research into consumer behaviour. The recipients are the Americans John Hauser and Dan Ariely.
John Hauser is Kirin Professor of Marketing at the MIT Sloan School of Management. His most recent research focuses on developing online methods for rapidly acquiring customer input and modifying products based on their preferences. In this framework his team at MIT developed websites that adapt in response to the cognitive style of the customer, resulting in significant increases in sales. Hauser is receiving an honorary doctorate for his research in the field of marketing and his contribution to marketing as a scientific field of study.
Dan Ariely is the James B. Duke Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Economics at Duke University. His research focuses on irrational behaviour and dishonesty. Ariely receives his honorary doctorate for the impact and valorisation of his research. He has written multiple bestsellers on the subject of irrationality and his TEDtalks are viewed by millions of people. He has even developed a card game based on scientific insights into irrational behaviour.
The honorary doctorates will be presented in the aula on Tuesday 8 November by honorary promoters Stefan Stremersch (ESE) and Ale Smidts (RSM). Neelie Kroes will speak during the ceremony and the Athena Prize of the Erasmus Network for Female Professors will be presented. Register to attend at eur.nl/dies.
