Bridging Minds - Acteon

Dive into the cognitive biases and psychological factors that shape decision-making at the science-policy interface.

**Why do people make the decisions they do?** Join us for the second episode of *Bridging Minds*—a deep dive into the psychological underpinnings of decision-making at the science-policy interface. While facts and data are often seen as the cornerstones of rational choice, the reality is far more complex. Human cognition is shaped by a web of perceptions, attitudes, values, beliefs, worldviews, and social norms—none of which exist in isolation.

In this session, we’ll unpack the **cognitive hierarchy** that drives human behavior:

*   **Values:** The deep-seated principles that organize our world, yet remain the hardest to evaluate.
*   **Beliefs:** Subsets of knowledge, shaped by available information and relationships.
*   **Worldviews:** The lenses through which we interpret reality, composed of identities, motivations, and meanings.

We’ll also explore the **interdependencies** between attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors—how they create cognitive dissonance, influence decision-making, and challenge the myth of the *homo economicus*. From the **Theory of Reasoned Action** to **Choice Architecture**, we’ll examine how conscious and unconscious factors shape the choices we make.

**Why does this matter for science-policy interfaces?** Because people are not blank slates waiting to be filled with facts. Misunderstandings arise when we assume otherwise, leading to **"multiple ignorance"**—where differing cognitive frameworks go unrecognized, and collaboration stalls.

**Don’t miss this opportunity to rethink how you engage with stakeholders.** Register now to uncover the psychological layers beneath decision-making—and learn how to navigate them effectively.

*   **Webinar 3:** *How do people think and why it matters? Sociology elements.* *Explore the social structures and cultural dynamics that influence how knowledge is shared and received. 11th of december*
*   **Webinar 4:** *Power shaping interactions: What to keep an eye out for?* *Uncover the hidden power dynamics that define collaborations—and learn how to navigate them effectively. 17th of decemner*
*   **Webinar 5:** *The Art of Managing a Meeting* *Master practical techniques to facilitate inclusive, productive, and impactful discussions across diverse stakeholders. 15th of january*
