Our Commitment and Expert Team.
We are a unique team of qualified behavioural scientists at MSc or PhD level committed to making a positive impact for society.
Commitment
We stand for sound technical and ethical applications.
Affective is committed to upholding the highest standards in both technical excellence and ethical conduct. This rigorous focus and commitment distinguishes us from other advisory firms since our foundation in 2017: We put humans at the centre of attention and ensure that the ideas we propose are not only defined right in theory, but also properly evaluated, and ultimately successfully and ethically implemented in practice. We are proud to be a committed member and participant to some of the world’s leading behavioural science and corporate sustainability initiatives.
GAABS
As a Founding Member of the Global Association of Applied Behavioural Scientists GAABS, the first independent non-profit organisation established, we safeguard and maintain the quality and ethical standards of behavioural science.
BIPS
As a Board Member of the Swiss Behavioral Insights for Better Politics and Societies initiative BIPS, we support the promotion of scientific insights for solving current and future political and societal challenges in Switzerland and beyond.
UN GC
As the world’s first participant to the UN Global Compact specialising in applied behavioural science in 2021, we commit to sustainable and responsible practices, and to realising the UN SDGs with all our private, public and NGO partners.
Leadership
We are a team of qualified behavioural science experts.
Affective is locally rooted and globally connected, linking international expertise with proven Swiss quality. All our team members share the rare combination of extensive professional experience and academic qualification in Behavioural Science or Data Science at MSc or PhD level.
Our leadership team consists of renowned experts with a proven track record in founding, leading and guiding influential organisations, academic partnerships, and projects in the field of applied behavioural science .
Torben Emmerling
Founder & Managing Partner
Torben is the Founder and Managing Partner of Affective, Chief Behavioural Officer, and author of the D.R.I.V.E.® framework for behavioural insights in strategy and public policy.
He is a Founding Member and Non Executive Director on the Board of the Global Association of Applied Behavioural Scientists GAABS, a Board Member of the Behavioral Insights for better Politics and Societies Initiative BIPS, a seasoned ETH and HSG lecturer, keynote speaker and HBR-published author in Behavioural Science, Decision Science and Consumer Psychology.
Torben holds a MSc in Behavioural Science from the London School of Economics and a Mlitt in International Business from the University of St Andrews. He enjoys being in the mountains and is a keen alpine and nordic skier.
Dr. Laura Fontanesi
Behavioural Data Science Lead
Dr. Laura Fontanesi is the Behavioural Data Science Lead of Affective. With a strong background in both behavioural science and data analytics, Laura develops innovative, data-driven strategies to inform strategy and policy design for private and public sector clients.
She is passionate about making complex scientific insights accessible to practitioners, translating evidence into practical solutions that drive real-world outcomes.
Laura holds a PhD in Economic Psychology from the University of Basel, where she explored decision-making models along with neuroimaging data, and a MSc in Psychology from University of Amsterdam. She enjoys cycling through the Swiss Alps, being outdoors with her dog, and diving into really good books.
Daniel Seyffardt
Behavioural Science Strategy Lead
Daniel is the Behavioural Science Strategy Lead of Affective. His expertise lies in translating scientific insights and methods into actionable advice for decision-makers.
He can draw on vast experience in designing strategies, policies and communications that resonate with different target audiences. Daniel is a HBR-published author, lecturer, speaker and Board Member of the Global Association of Applied Behavioural Scientists GAABS.
Daniel holds a MSc in Applied Psychology and Economic Behaviour from the University of Bath, and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Business Administration and Banking. He is a keen tennis player, though he has been known to let his racket gather dust now and then, and enjoys preparing tasty new recipes in the kitchen.