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

In our world of complex challenges and choices, we don’t personally make all the most important decisions affecting our lives.

Fund managers invest their clients’ money, doctors and families make treatment choices, parents decide for their children, CEOs for their companies, and politicians for entire countries. But do people make these decisions in the same way as when they choose for themselves?

And how is artificial intelligence changing our understanding of developments in science, technology, and innovation? What are the opportunities and limitations of AI supporting strategic decision-making for organisations, industries, and policymakers?

This Life Solved Live event is your chance to hear first-hand how researchers are tackling such vital questions – and what drives them to do it.

An Inaugural Lecture is one of the most prestigious Life Solved Live events. It’s a celebration of the career of a professor and the difference they make.

On 10 June 2026 we present two thought-provoking lectures in one evening.

In ‘Am I My Brother’s Keeper?’ Decision Making for Others in Behavioural Economics', Professor of Behavioural Economics, Wolfgang J Luhan, explores recent research that reveals a rich and complex picture, highlighting systematic differences between decisions for oneself and decisions for others. He’ll highlight the roles of responsibility, incentives, and delegation, and discuss the implications for financial markets, organisations, and the growing role of algorithms in decision-making.

Professor Luhan says:

‘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 careful and 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.’

In 'AI Approaches for Science, Technology, and Innovation Intelligence', Professor of Innovation and Technology Management, Sercan Ozcan, explores how artificial intelligence is changing the way we understand, track, and anticipate developments in science, technology, and innovation (STI). Drawing on his research in innovation and technology management, he examines how AI-based approaches support STI intelligence by identifying emerging trends, mapping technological change, analysing scientific and market signals, and supporting strategic decision-making.

Professor Ozcan says:

‘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.’

Don’t miss this unique double bill of eye-opening talks. To book your FREE tickets, select how many you want, then click the ‘Reserve a spot’ button.

Keen to hear more about world-changing research and the amazing people who do it? The Life Solved podcast has shared well over 100 stories to date. Listen now.

Info: Am I My Brother’s Keeper?’ Decision Making for Others in Behavioural Economics

Info: AI Approaches for Science, Technology, and Innovation Intelligence

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Host or Publisher University of Portsmouth