About
Bocconi Experimental Laboratory for the Social Sciences (BELSS)
The Bocconi Experimental Laboratory for the Social Sciences (BELSS) is an interdisciplinary research center at Bocconi University dedicated to the experimental study of human behavior and decision-making. Researchers affiliated with BELSS draw on approaches from economics, management, marketing, political science, psychology, and neuroscience to investigate how individuals and groups make choices in a variety of settings.
BELSS supports experimental research by providing infrastructure and organizational resources for laboratory and online studies. The center also fosters a vibrant intellectual community by hosting a weekly journal club and brown bag series, as well as research seminars featuring invited international scholars. These events are often organized in collaboration with other departments and research units at Bocconi.
The BELSS Behavioral Lab
BELSS operates a state-of-the-art behavioral lab equipped with 27 computer workstations, all networked and centrally managed. This setup allows researchers to run interactive experiments, including market simulations, economic games, and online behavioral studies, using platforms such as oTree and Qualtrics.
The lab maintains an active subject pool of over 5,000 participants, including both Bocconi students and members of the general public. Participants are compensated for their time, typically earning between €7 and €15 per session. BELSS upholds a strict no deception policy: researchers are not permitted to mislead participants about the purpose or content of the studies.
People and Lab Access
The BELSS laboratory is currently directed by Professor Salvatore Nunnari. Our Senior Research Assistant, Marta Maxia, manages the day-to-day operations of the lab. The lab is located on the 3rd floor of the Roentgen Building at Bocconi University (room 3-E4-SR01). Click here for a campus map.
If you are a Bocconi student and would like to register as participant in experiments sign up here.
All Bocconi researchers are welcome to use the lab. Our Senior Research Assistant can assist with:
- Scheduling experiments and reserving lab space
- Programming and technical support
- Recruiting participants
- Running sessions (in collaboration with the PI, a Post-Doc, or a Research Assistant)
- Participant compensation
If you are a Bocconi researcher and would like to use the lab but are not yet affiliated with BELSS, please contact the Director, Salvatore Nunnari, for more information.
Journal Club / Brown Bag Series
The BELSS Journal Club is a weekly meeting to discuss recent papers in the social sciences, with a focus on behavioral research in economics, management, marketing, psychology, political science, and public policy. While most papers are experimental, this is not a strict requirement. Members also frequently present their own work-in-progress to gather feedback in an informal setting.
The group meets every Wednesday from 5:00 to 6:00 pm in room 4-E4-SR03.
Everyone is welcome—Master’s and Ph.D. students, RAs, faculty, and post-docs. To join the mailing list and receive weekly updates, please contact Joachim Vosgerau.