The forum brought together leading researchers from Israel and the United States for interdisciplinary discussions on the mechanisms that shape decision-making at the individual, societal, and institutional levels. Topics included decision-making under uncertainty, trauma and community resilience, the role of psychological factors in the design of markets and economic mechanisms, and the use of scientific evidence to inform public policy and communicate scientific findings to policymakers.
The scientific program was developed by a joint Israeli-American organizing committee, chaired by Academy member Prof. Naama Friedmann, with Academy member Prof. Nira Liberman also serving on the committee. The committee designed an interdisciplinary program bringing together researchers from a wide range of fields concerned with decision-making processes.
The program featured four scientific sessions over two days, with presentations and panel discussions by leading researchers from both countries. The sessions highlighted current research and explored the theoretical and practical challenges of decision-making in an increasingly complex world. The scientific program opened with a special lecture by Academy member Prof. Robert John Aumann, recipient of the 2005 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences and professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, titled "Psychology and the Evolution of Economic Behavior." (
Follow this link to watch the lecture)
Forum participants
The Blavatnik Forum serves as an important platform for promoting scientific cooperation between Israel and the United States. Its return to Jerusalem after five years underscored the commitment of both academies to maintaining scientific dialogue and strengthening ties between their research communities, even amid international challenges.
Mr. Peter Thorén, representative of the Blavatnik Family Foundation, delivers greetings at the 6th Blavatnik US–Israel Scientific Forum on Decision Making.