Isabelle Brocas

Isabelle Brocas is a Professor at the University of Southern California, a Research Fellow at the Industrial Organization Program for the Center for Economic Policy Research (CEPR), Co-Director of the Theoretical Research in Neuroeconomic Decision-making (TREND) Institute, and Co-Director of the Los Angeles Behavioral Economics Laboratory (LABEL). She holds a PhD from the University of Toulouse.

Education:

• PhD, University of Toulouse

Research Focus:
Professor Brocas pioneers brain-based models of decision-making that incorporate neural system interactions and physiological constraints to explain behavioral anomalies. Her work provides micro-microfoundations for traditionally exogenous elements like risk aversion and discounting while investigating how emotion, motivation, and developmental stages influence choice across the lifespan. This neuroeconomic approach bridges economic theory with neuroscience to inform policy interventions.

Publication Trends:
Her 2010-2021 publications demonstrate consistent focus on neuroeconomic mechanisms across developmental stages, with key themes including strategic thinking in children, stress impacts on coordination games, altruism in adolescents, and portfolio choice anomalies. The research predominantly uses experimental methods to link cognitive processes with economic behavior, revealing how biological constraints shape decision-making from preschool through adulthood.

Scientific Recognition:
No specific awards or fellowships were mentioned in the provided text.

Academic Leadership:
As Co-Director of TREND and LABEL, Brocas provides infrastructure for neuroeconomic research. The text does not specify advising roles or grant funding details, though her frequent collaboration with Juan D. Carrillo indicates active academic partnerships.

Research Infrastructure:
Her leadership in the TREND Institute (theoretical neuroeconomic modeling) and LABEL laboratory (behavioral experiments) establishes critical platforms for interdisciplinary work that integrates economics, neuroscience, and psychology to advance decision science.