Benoît Béchard

I hold a Ph.D. in Psychology, a Master's degree in Public Affairs (M.A.), and undergraduate degrees in Political Science (B.A.) and Economics (Cert.). I am currently a researcher, tutor, and lecturer at Université Laval. During my doctoral studies, I completed a funded internship in decision theory and experimental games at the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom. My research has received funding from institutions such as the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Société et Culture (FRQSC), and Mitacs Canada. In addition to my academic pursuits, I bring over 15 years of political experience to the table, having served in various roles such as ministerial cabinet advisor, campaign manager, and candidate in Quebec's general elections. My approach emphasizes a humanistic and compassionate perspective, which is evident in both my research and political activities. Over the course of a 36-month pre-election campaign (2016-18), I engaged with more than 20,000 individuals, fostering a profound understanding of issues at the human level. My extensive experience and academic background now converge to create a unique and valuable blend of expertise in the field of public affairs, bridging the realms of cognitive sciences, decision sciences, and politics. Recognized with numerous awards and distinctions, I have earned a place on the honor roll of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (FESP) at Laval University for my doctoral thesis titled "Simply Human: A Study of Political Complexity." I actively participate in media engagements and frequently provide interviews on public affairs programs, delving into topics related to political decision-making, complexity, and the boundaries of human cognition.