people
Current Lab Members
Principal Investigator
Ivar Rodríguez HANNIKAINEN
I am the Principal Investigator of the Moral Science Lab. I received my PhD in Philosophy from the University of Sheffield (2014). After receiving my PhD, I held a postdoctoral position at the Department of Law at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (2015-2016), a fellowship at Getulio Vargas Foundation (2016), and an assistant professorship in the Department of Law at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (2017-2019). I have been at the University of Granada since 2020, and currently hold a Ramón y Cajal fellowship (2022-).
Through my career, I have been heavily invested in interdisciplinary projects at the interface of philosophy, psychology and law. I have given invited lectures around the world at universities in the United States (Yale University, Harvard University), the United Kingdom (University of Oxford) Mexico (UNAM), Colombia (Universidad Nacional de Colombia), Morocco (Université Polytechnique Mohammed VI), Poland (Jagiellonian University) the Czech Republic (Charles University), Bulgaria (New Bulgarian University) and Romania (University of Bucharest).
Outside academia, I enjoy sports, cooking and taking naps.
Postdoc @ UGR
Ismael MUELA
I hold a degree in Psychology from the University of Granada (UGR; 2009–2015), a Master’s in Neuroscience (specializing in Cognitive Neuroscience) from the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM; 2015–2016), and a PhD in Psychology from the UGR (2019–2024). My doctoral dissertation focused on uncovering the basic mechanisms underlying emotion regulation in gambling disorder.
My research interests lie in the study of transdiagnostic markers of addictive processes, both substance-related and behavioral, as well as in understanding their etiology. In particular, I aim to shed light on the elusive construct of acquired compulsivity. Currently, as a postdoctoral researcher at the Moral Science Lab, I seek to contribute to the advancement of the group’s research agenda - while proving that psychologists and philosophers can, indeed, coexist.
In my free time, I am a frustrated powerlifter who loves eating (the spicier, the better), sleeping, and spending time with my loved ones.
PhD Student @ UGR
Jorge SUÁREZ
I’m Jorge Suárez, a PhD student at the University of Granada. Originally from Málaga, I completed my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Philosophy there, with a focus on Ethics. After finishing my training in Philosophy and Ethics, I decided that I wanted to become a Social Scientist to engage in research in Experimental and Empirical Ethics. To achieve this goal, I pursued another master’s degree in Applied Sociology in Málaga.
Currently, I hold a position as a doctoral researcher in the Department of Philosophy I at the University of Granada, where I apply quantitative methods to explore various ethical and bioethical issues. My research topics range from migration studies to end-of-life and medical ethics.
In my private life, I am a proud caregiver of two lovely cats, and in my free time I enjoy reading—particularly historical fiction novels—and playing video games.
PhD Student @ UGR
Daniel MARTÍN
Hi! My name is Daniel Martín, and I am currently pursuing a PhD in Philosophy at the University of Granada. My academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy here at Granada, followed by a Master’s degree in Applied Ethics at the Complutense University of Madrid. I have also recently completed a Master’s degree in Teaching and am simultaneously pursuing a degree in Psychology at the UNED.
My research lies at the intersection of philosophy and moral psychology, focusing on the psychology behind everyday moral decisions relating to people, animals, and the environment. I combine philosophical analysis with experimental methods to explore these issues. For instance, one project studies how people understand concepts like ‘normal’ and ‘reasonable’ and how this influences social and legal justification. Another project analyses the moral priority we attribute to different animals and plants and the implications for their rights and our duties of care.
Outside of research, I enjoy spending time outdoors, cooking, walking my dogs, and occasionally going on hiking trips.
Lab Manager
Rosa LÓPEZ
I´m Rosa López, a PhD student at the University of Granada. I hold a degree in Business Administration and Management, and I am currently pursuing my doctorate in the same field. My research focuses on sustainable entrepreneurship, specifically examining the influence of contextual, organizational, and technological factors that drive companies to adopt or transform their business models toward sustainability.
I currently hold a position as research assistant in the Department of Philosophy I at the University of Granada, where I contribute to various research initiatives.
In my personal life, I love attending music festivals, practicing aikido, and enjoying life to the fullest.
Alumni
Carme ISERN-MAS
I am an assistant professor at the University of the Balearic Islands. Before that, I was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Granada. I obtained my Ph.D. in Human Evolution and Cognition from the University of the Balearic Islands, after which I pursued a Masters in Philosophy at Florida State University.
My research interests lie in the field of moral psychology, with a focus on topics such as blame, empathy, moral motivation and self-deception. I am also interested in applied ethics, particularly in mental health ethics.
Carme is now Assistant Professor at the University of the Balearic Islands
Paolo BUTTAZZONI
My name is Paolo Buttazzoni and I am a junior researcher from Italy. I have obtained a bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Psychology & Psychobiology at the University of Padova, followed by a master’s double degree in Cognitive Neuroscience & Clinical Neuropsychology in collaboration with the University of Granada.
Pursuing my deep interest in ethics and artificial intelligence, I have taken part to multiple projects in the field, specialising in the use of moral dilemmas and the study of rule-based reasoning through a variety of methodologies and statistical approaches.
Both in my private and professional life, curiosity and perseverance have always driven me to achieve my goals, believing in the power of knowledge and its spread, because only what is truly shared is truly possessed.