AI Scholar Ertugrul Uysal Honored with Nexans Prize 2023 for Pioneering Research
AI Scholar Ertugrul Uysal Honored with Nexans Prize 2023 for Pioneering Research: Ertugrul Uysal, an expert in artificial intelligence, has been awarded the Nexans Prize 2023 for his outstanding contributions to the field. The Nexans Prize is an annual recognition presented to one or two researchers at the University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland. On December 14th, the award was conferred upon Ertugrul Uysal, who holds a Ph.D. in management from the university's Institute of Management. His research focuses on the intricate interactions between individuals and digital technologies, particularly AI, in an ever-evolving digital era.
Established in 1979 to commemorate the centenary of the creation of the electric cable industry in Cortaillod, a municipality near Neufchâtel, the Nexans Switzerland SA Cultural Fund bestows the Nexans Prize each year.
The award ceremony, accompanied by a prize of 10,000 Swiss francs, took place at the University's main building's Aula. Alain Percassi, Director of Human Resources at Nexans Switzerland SA Cortaillod, Kilian Stoffel, Rector of the University of Neuchâtel, and Peter Fiechter, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and President of the jury, were present.
Before the ceremony, Ertugrul Uysal and Professor Tobias Schlager from the University of Lausanne delivered a lecture on the theme "AI and autonomous products with human-like features: their effects on consumer well-being."
Ertugrul Uysal's research delves into exploring the effects of technology on humans and its ethical and societal consequences. According to the jury:
"His commitment to socially significant issues and his focus on sustainable solutions make him a promising researcher with remarkable academic potential. Ertugrul Uysal's passion for research, intellectual curiosity, and ability to delve into complex subjects attest to his determination to contribute to advancing knowledge in the field of marketing."
The University of Neuchâtel highlights in its statement that "the laureate's research aligns well with the digital strategy of the Faculty of Economics and the University of Neuchâtel in general. Moreover, it resonates excellently with today's society."
After earning a Bachelor's degree in biology in Turkey (2011) and a Master's degree in cognitive sciences in Italy (2013), Ertugrul Uysal, originally from Turkey, spent time at the University of Lisbon, Portugal, and the University of Massachusetts in Boston, USA, before joining the Institute of Management (IMN) at the University of Neuchâtel in 2018 as a doctoral assistant in marketing. He completed his Ph.D. in management in August 2023. Currently, he holds a postdoctoral position at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETHZ).