I lead the work of the Behavioral Science lab and the Behavioral Science Center for Good. My primary goal is to support vulnerable individuals and groups (families,  the poor and the sad) using behavioral and data science. 

I have obtained a dual degree in psychology and economics and finished my Ph.D. in experimental psychology in 2018. Since then, my work as a lead author appeared in top psychology and social science journals such as Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Nature Human Behaviour, Journal of Behavioral Decision Making, and eLife. I have won 13 scholarships and awards including the scholarship of the Hungarian Central Bank, the National Excellence Program, Bolyai, Campus Mundi, Eötvös, Rosztóczy, Fulbright (2x), and the Promising Researcher and the Rosak Tamas award. I was a visiting student researcher at Columbia University in 20217/2018 and a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at Harvard Business School in 2024.

CV / Google Scholar page / Personal Website / Twitter  

I am a PhD candidate with a planned defence in 2025. I have been co-leading the research group since September 2025. My current research centres on the detrimental effects of financial scarcity-related cues on the cognitive functioning of individuals living in poverty. By examining this relationship, I aim to identify and develop strategies to support impoverished communities and help them break free from the cycle of poverty. In addition to poverty-related research, I am developing a project dedicated to increasing the well-being of young families, utilising behavioural interventions and investigating their influence on fertility decisions.

When I'm not conducting research, I enjoy playing role-playing games and biking.

CV / Google Scholar 

I'm a Ph.D. student currently researching inequality perception, and its impact on distributive preferences. I also teach Political Science at Rajk College for Advanced Studies and participate in the management of a large-scale metascience project. Throughout my academic and professional career, I have explored various fields of social sciences. I hold an MA degree in Political Science from the Central European University. During my studies, I was a member of Rajk College, a self-governed student community, where I took courses in social sciences, philosophy, economy, and methodology, and actively participated in a range of extracurricular activities. Before beginning my doctoral studies, I worked as a political analyst at a think tank, where I conducted research on numerous topics related to Hungarian politics, including an in-depth study on political polarization. In my free time, I enjoy photography, hiking, astronomy, cooking, and watching documentaries. I have even created two short documentaries about social issues in rural Hungary. 

From an early age, I have relished being the center of attention and captivating my social circles with engaging stories. This fascination with folk storytelling has been a driving force behind my relentless pursuit of skill improvement. In recognition of my dedication, I was honored with a national first prize in 2016 in storytelling. As a Psychology student, my ultimate aim is to employ my acquired skills and knowledge to foster a positive impact on society, while community engagement would form an integral part of my endeavors. My particular interest lies in the realm of health psychology, behavior change, and providing support for vulnerable populations. Consequently, my academic focus centers on evaluating the efficacy of evidence-based interventions designed to promote healthy behaviors and enhance overall well-being. Beyond my scholarly pursuits, I harbor a profound passion for gastronomy and indulge in various outdoor recreational activities, including nature walks, canoeing, and cycling.

I'm Ledion Musaj, and I'm fascinated by the human mind. Currently working towards my PhD in Psychology, I've always been drawn to understanding how we think, feel, and behave. My background includes a Bachelor's and a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, providing a solid foundation for my explorations.

For three years, I was part of the University of Tirana crew as an assistant lecturer and researcher. I'm focused on understanding the relationship of thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and the world around us, and how they all dance together to shape our mental health. I also worked on a really cool project training AI in CBT, but that's wrapped up now. But I'm not just all science, all the time. I'm a big fan of philosophy as I love pondering the big questions! And when I'm not immersed in the world of the mind, you can probably find me with a good book, lost in a game of chess, or cheering on my favorite football team (Come on Chelsea!). 

I am a BSc student at ELTE and I started working as a research assistant at the lab in 2023. It might be considered a cliche but my aim is to make a difference in the lives of people in need. Those, not seen on the street, are not typically talked about, but in such distressing situations that they see no way out.

Outside of my academic work and studies, I love partaking in various forms of art. I have published one poem, and I keep relentlessly writing them, I also like painting, but just for my own entertainment. 

I am a graduate student of psychology at ELTE, mainly focusing on social and intercultural psychology. My long term goal is to specialize in the field of media psychology, researching how different mediums and their contents affect people, and using its potential for the betterment of society. Due to this I have always been interested in how behavior is- and can be influenced, which is one of the main reasons why I joined the ELTE Behavioral Science Lab as a research assistant. The experience and skills I gain as part of this multifaceted team complements my studies in ways that allow me to learn about the intricacies of the mind using multiple approaches and different tools. When I’m not working in the lab or studying for my classes I learn languages, train myself in game design, creative storytelling or even acting occasionally. And of course I also play some games in my down time to let off some steam, often with friends in the form of different tabletop RPGs, a genre that I find immensely intriguing both from an academic point of view and as a player.

I’m a psychology MA student specializing in social psychology at ELTE, where I also earned my BA degree. In addition, I hold a degree in International Relations from Corvinus University. My academic journey has been enriched by a semester at Tilburg University in the Netherlands, where I focused on developmental psychology.

My studies reflect my deep interest in social issues, particularly inequality and the challenges faced by marginalized communities. I find joy in working with children and creating opportunities for equal chances.

I thrive on connecting with people and believe in the importance of small, meaningful efforts—whether through research or community work—to help create a more inclusive and supportive society.