The world is a better place thanks to the many people who work to make it so, states UBS Foundation Professor Dina Pomeranz in a NZZ guest commentary.

Meet Ingrid Löfman and Philipp Sternal, the newest recipients of the UBS Center Scholarship and PhD students at the Zurich Graduate School of Economics. In this double interview, they share their motivations for pursuing a PhD, the economic mysteries they’re eager to solve, and what makes studying in Zurich special. Their unique journeys offer valuable insights not just for fellow economists but for anyone intrigued by the intricacies of human behavior and global economic challenges.

The UBS Center for Economics in Society (UBS Center) at the University of Zurich announces a leadership change as Kaspar Villiger steps down as Chairman of the Foundation Council at the end of this year. Christian Mumenthaler, former Group CEO of Swiss Re, will assume the role as his successor effective 1 January 2025, bringing his vision and expertise to guide the UBS Center’s continued effort in building bridges between academia and the broader society.

On November 14, the UBS Center and Università della Svizzera italiana gathered a significant audience in a joint event to explore the critical role corporate culture plays in both the triumphs and failures of businesses today. In his keynote lecture, Prof. Luigi Guiso delved into the evolving understanding of corporate culture in economic research and business. The panelists concluded that corporate culture is a living, dynamic construct shaped by leadership, values, and societal influences.

On October 31, the UBS Center Forum for Economic Dialogue gathered a significant audience to hear insights from leading experts on the role of AI in our society. Despite intense discussions about the risks and misuse of AI, the overall assessment of the new technology was positive. With the right foundations in place, AI holds immense potential to drive innovation, increase prosperity, and reduce inequality.