Broadening exposure, broadening mind at Stanford CASBS
CASBS hosts some 30 fellows from diverse academic disciplines this year.
(Photo courtesy of CASBS)
The CUHK-Stanford University (Stanford) Center for Advanced Study in Behavioral Sciences (CASBS) Partner Fellowship Programme opens doors for CUHK faculty members to engage in a residential fellowship at Stanford that fosters intellectual exchange and contributes to advancing research and thinking in the social sciences. Two CUHK professors, Prof. Michelle Miao from the Faculty of Law and Prof. Peter Ferretto from the School of Architecture, just completed their fellowship visits and shared their enriching experiences.
Prof. Michelle Miao was immensely enriched by her fellowship at CASBS. She actively participated in seminars and symposiums that brought together scholars from across the academic spectrum to discuss pioneering research, spanning topics such as the global history of the great depression, racial inequality in education, and the intersections between developmental science and intelligent machines. She also felt privileged to be able to share the same interdisciplinary space graced by scholarly ‘ghosts’ of giants, including Nobel Laureates in Economics Prof. Theodore W. Schultz and Prof. Paul M. Romer, as well as the ‘uncrowned’ Nobel Laureate Prof. Amos Tversky, whose groundbreaking collaborative work with Prof. Daniel Kahneman has profoundly shaped the understanding of behavioral economics and decision theory.
Prof. Michelle Miao enthusiastically engages in seminars that foster academic collaborations.
The CASBS fellowship has catalysed several promising outcomes and future plans for Prof. Miao. ‘I have forged invaluable connections, friendships, and potential collaborations from this close-knit interdisciplinary community. As a legal scholar, their influential work has inspired me to explore new related avenues. Overall, this flourishing journey has unveiled the immense power of transcending disciplinary boundaries to spark creativity and generate original ideas through the cross-pollination of diverse concepts.’
Prof. Peter Ferretto reflected that the fellowship at CASBS has been a pivotal moment in his academic journey. Surrounded by a diverse array of interdisciplinary peers, he found himself immersed in stimulating discussions and debates during seminars and communal lunches. ‘Beyond the intellectual pursuits, I have formed lasting friendships, immersed myself in the vibrant atmosphere of Silicon Valley, explored San Francisco, and witnessed the beautiful California natural habitat. Moreover, the fellowship has crystalised new collaborations that will extend beyond the duration of my stay, enriching my academic journey and professional network.’
The application call of the programme opens annually in September. Please stay tuned for the next call.
Prof. Peter Ferretto is inspired by Prof. Milton Friedman, Nobel Laureate in Economics, who stayed in the same study room in 1958.
(Photo courtesy of CASBS)
Prof. Peter Ferretto (right) presents an innovative design of a book house that integrates interdisciplinary insights from his cohort fellows to CASBS Director, Prof. Sarah Soule (left).
(Photo courtesy of CASBS)