Exploring the role of architecture in shaping and enhancing place attachment: An interdisciplinary neuroscience approach

since September 2024 Preproposal PhD-Thesis

Project Description

This research explores the relationship between architecture and place attachment through an interdisciplinary neuroscience approach. Place attachment refers to the cognitive and emotional bond individuals develop with their surroundings, influencing their sense of belonging and well-being. The study examines how architectural design, informed by neuroscience, can enhance this bond. The built environment affects us both consciously and unconsciously, with up to 95% of our cognitive processes occurring outside our awareness. This research aims to bridge the gap between humancentered architectural design and our understanding of cognition, emotion,and memory. By combining architectural theory, neuroscience, and environmental psychology, the study investigates how design elements— such as materials, light, and spatial organization—affect place attachment. Data will be collected through surveys, interviews, architectural analysis, and neuroimaging (fMRI) to explore the neural mechanisms associated with place attachment. The goal is to develop design strategies that foster stronger emotional connections to spaces, promoting well-being and sustainable design practices.

Participating Institutions

Urbanism, Architecture and Society / Doctoral instiution

Project Participants

Prof. Dr. Lindsay Blair Howe

- Supervisor

Supervisor

Natalie Krieg MSc Arch

- PhD-Student

PhD-Student

The quantification of firm resilience and its relationship with innovation

since September 2024 Preproposal PhD-Thesis

Project Description

In today's globalized economy, it is crucial to be able to measure and understand the resilience of companies to internal and external changes, shocks and/or crises. While the academic literature often deals with the definition of (firm) resilience and what it exactly constitutes, there is a lack of studies on how to effectively measure it. Thus, the focus, especially at the beginning of the research, is on the development of quantitative measurement methods capturing firm resilience as well as the associated performance analyses of corporations.
Another adjacent and underdeveloped field of research is the investigation of the interaction between firm resilience and innovation efficiency. The aim of the research is to examine whether innovative companies have a higher level of resilience efficiency or rather whether companies with a high level of resilience are more innovation efficient than their competitors.

Participating Institutions

Technology and Innovation / Doctoral instiution

Project Participants

Thomas Beales MSc, MSc, BA (Hons)

- PhD-Student

Research Assistant / PhD Student - Technology and Innovation

PhD-Student

Prof. Dr. Leo Brecht

- Supervisor

Professor - Technology and Innovation Academic Director MBA in Technology & Innovation - Technology and Innovation

Supervisor

Diversionary Measures in Liechtenstein Law

since September 2024 Preproposal PhD-Thesis

Project Description

The application of diversionary measures is very frequent in Liechtenstein criminal law. Nevertheless, there has been no in-depth academic study of diversionary measures in Liechtenstein. Therefore, in daily practice, reference is made to the Austrian doctrine and literature.
The research gap described above is the reason for this dissertation project, which comprehensively analyses diversionary measures in Liechtenstein law. The study also aims to determine to what extent it would be possible and reasonable to extend the applicability of diversionary measures to other cases in Liechtenstein. With regard to Liechtenstein practice, the extent to which diversionary measures can be judged as effective and whether the Government's goal of reducing procedural costs could be achieved through the introduction of diversionary measures should also be analysed. In this context, the final question is what further development and reform options are appropriate for diversionary measures in Liechtenstein.
In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, it is necessary to analyse Liechtenstein legislative materials, case law and papers. Furthermore, the project will be based on comparative legal work and empirical research.

Participating Institutions

Economic Criminal Law, Compliance and Digitalisation / Doctoral instiution

Project Participants

Christoph Johann Marxer M.A. HSG

- PhD-Student

PhD-Student

Prof. Dr. Konstantina Papathanasiou LL.M.

- Supervisor

Professor - Economic Criminal Law, Compliance and Digitalisation Chair - Senate

Supervisor

Legitimacy of applicants and party status in supervisory proceedings under foundation and trust law

since September 2024 Preproposal PhD-Thesis

Project Description

In practice, the capacity to invoke supervisory procedures in matters pertaining to foundations and trusts, particularly in instances of suspected malfeasance by the foundation or trust organs, is of paramount importance. The divergence of interests between the organs of a foundation or trust and the beneficiaries thereof frequently gives rise to disputes, where the governance of the foundation or trust is no longer assured without recourse to the judicial process.

In such situations, however, the initial question often arises as to who has standing to file an application and, subsequently, who is entitled to party status in the proceedings. Recent case law from the Liechtenstein courts shows a tendency towards a highly restrictive interpretation, particularly regarding the issue of party status. This development has been the subject of criticism in some academic literature, on the grounds that it reflects a continuous shift in the balance of power in favour of the foundation and trust organs. This trend may ultimately result in a diminution of the power of beneficiaries of foundations and trusts.

The objective of this research project is to undertake a critical examination of the relevant literature and case law with a view to providing a comprehensive analysis of the central questions surrounding standing to file an application and party status in supervisory procedures under foundation and trust law.

Participating Institutions

Company, Foundation and Trust Law / Doctoral instiution

Project Participants

Mag. iur. Raphael Ramon Tomasch

- PhD-Student

PhD-Student

Prof. Dr. iur. Alexandra Butterstein LL.M.

- Supervisor

Dean - Liechtenstein Business Law School Professor - Company, Foundation and Trust Law Member of the Rectorate - Rectorate

Supervisor

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Francesco A. Schurr

- Co-Supervisor

Visiting Professor - Company, Foundation and Trust Law

Co-Supervisor

Design Thinking for AI

October 2025 until September 2027 Erasmus

Project Description

This project aims to provide an innovative, modular teaching programme on "Design Thinking for AI" (DT4AI) for European University educators. The programme empowers educators to deliver student-centred, problem-based courses that cultivate competencies in AI-driven problem solving, rapid prototyping and effective teamwork. By integrating this programme into existing curricula, we address critical gaps in AI education and promote structured approaches to solving organisational challenges.
With the DT4AI programme, we will develop comprehensive teaching materials-including lecture slides, notes, a handbook on best practices and course integration, and domain-specific case studies across manufacturing, finance and healthcare. Additional activities include creating video-based training modules and an accessible knowledge base. These resources will equip educators to teach DT4AI in a practical, structured way, helping learners to apply DT and AI skills to real-world challenges.
By providing comprehensive teaching materials, digital modules and domain-specific case studies, this project will empower European educators to integrate "DT4AI" into their curricula. Consequently, students will develop essential skills in problem solving, user research and prototyping. The project fosters academia-industry collaboration, bridges educational gaps and equips institutions with scalable tools to address real-world challenges through structured, innovative approaches.