The highly anticipated Judgment and Decision Making (JDM) India conference marked its debut at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. Co-convened and hosted by Dr. Arjun Ramakrishnan, a neuroscientist and decision researcher from IIT Kanpur; and convened by Dr. Sumitava Mukherjee, a decision researcher and behavioral scientist from IIT Delhi, the conference marked a historic moment in the field of decision science.

The field of JDM studies the science of judgment and decision making. The conference focused on basic cognitive and neural processes involved in decision making and on applied aspects that are crucial in various areas of life, business, and society. From well-controlled lab experiments to on-field studies spanning neuroeconomics, behavioral economics, rationality, nudges, perception and measurement of risk, artificial intelligence and algorithmic decisions; the conference covered a wide range of topics about human thinking and even animal cognition from speakers from multiple countries.

The keynote speakers at the one-day conference were Prof. Barbara Mellers, George I. Heyman University Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, with cross-appointments in the School of Arts and Sciences and the Wharton Business School along with Prof. Arvind Sahay, Director of Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon and On-leave as Professor of Marketing & International Business at Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA). Emeritus Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, Jon Baron, the Founder Editor of the flagship journal, ‘Judgment and Decision Making,’ gave the concluding address.

Said Prof. S. Ganesh, Director IIT Kanpur, “Judgment and decision-making play a pivotal role in shaping outcomes across diverse sectors including health, education, governance, policy, marketing, and businesses. Hosting this conference at IIT Kanpur is a source of great pride, as it serves as a unique platform where researchers from diverse disciplines converge to collectively contemplate and propel the advancement of the science of JDM in India. I am sure the deliberations would provide essential insights for addressing our nation's significant social challenges.”

The conference was marked by addresses by faculty members, a dedicated panel for PhD candidates, and a showcase of undergraduate research, ensuring that researchers at various stages of their careers had a platform to share their valuable work. Moreover, building on a no-barrier policy, the conference adopted an inclusive approach by waiving registration fees, made possible through generous sponsorship from Aerobe Pvt Ltd., T.A. Pai Institute of Management, Manipal, and Trident Technologies.

The conference marked a substantial stride in recognizing the necessity to bring together researchers and professionals with a shared interest in decision-making. Co-convenor of the conference Dr. Arjun Ramakrishnan said, “The hybrid nature of the event attracted students and faculty from several countries including the US, Canada, China, Israel, and Italy.” The organizers proposed to stimulate the growth of Judgment and Decision Making in India through such initiatives. Convenor, Dr. Sumitava Mukherjee, said “We had been looking forward to initiating JDM in India for at least three years. This is going to be a historical event as the start of JDM conferences in the global south and particularly in our country. It will help us advance the basic knowledge that connects with international colleagues while also working on topics relevant for India.”

The inaugural conference garnered great response from attendees, leading to the decision to host similar conferences annually, at the open meeting. Deliberations to start a formal academic association on Judgment and Decision Making in India, also took centre stage.