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Ribbon cut on state-of-the-art David Dreman Behavioural Management Lab

Asper School of Business launches cutting-edge research lab at opening ceremonies and conference

4 individuals sit in front of a sign for the David Dreman Behavioural Management Lab
Estimated Read Time:
2 minutes
Bruno Silvestre, Stu Clark, Michael Benarroch, and Suzanne Gagnon at the David Dreman Behavioural Management Lab. Photo by David Lipnoski
Bruno Silvestre, Stu Clark, Michael Benarroch, and Suzanne Gagnon at the David Dreman Behavioural Management Lab. Photo by David Lipnoski
Estimated Read Time:
2 minutes
By

Emily Wilson

On April 25, 2025, the David Dreman Behavioural Management Lab was officially launched, ushering in a new era of management research at the Asper School of Business.

University leaders, including Michael Benarroch (President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Manitoba) and Bruno Silvestre (Dean of the Asper School of Business) gathered with leaders from industry, the business community, international scholars, and students to celebrate the official opening of the facility.

Also in attendance was Stu Clark [BComm(Hons)/76, LLD/2011], one of the university’s most generous supporters, whose $5M gift was instrumental in establishing the lab.

Clark spoke at the opening ceremony, highlighting the vision that underlies that high-tech research space.

“This lab represents more than just a physical space—it’s a hub for curiosity, innovation, and collaboration,” he said.

“I’m excited to see this vision come to life at the Asper School of Business, and I am confident the ideas and discoveries that will emerge from this space can help us tackling real-world business challenges and make lasting academic and practical impact.”

Two men, each dressed in suits, stand side by side with happy expressions

Empowering research for established and emerging scholars

This research laboratory is open to Asper faculty and graduate research students, offering the resources they need to pursue innovative and collaborative research related to management and human behaviour.

The facility hosts two computer labs to support online data collection, one flex space for simulating retail, office, and other physical spaces, four connected breakout rooms for focus groups, interviews, and team-based simulations, eye tracking and other audio-visual capabilities, and lab management space

A group of scholars stand in a room where each wall is made up of shelves. One shelf is lined with consumer products such as cereal and juice
Photo by David Lipnoski

Advancing insights and improving management practice

Wei Wang (Assistant Professor, The Associates Fellow in Leadership and Ethics) and Namita Bhatnagar (Professor, Asper Behavioural Management Fellow) are co-directors of the Behavioural Management Institute and oversee the operations and vision of the lab.

Wang highlighted the importance of the David Dreman Behavioural Management Lab in advancing relevant and transformative research.

“This lab represents not only a space for innovation and collaboration, but also a shared commitment to generating new insights that can positively impact organizations and communities,” he wrote in a statement.

 

A woman and a man sit in front of the sign for the David Dreman Behavioural Management Lab
Co-directors of the Behavioural Management Lab, Namita Bhatnagar and Wei Wang. Photo by David Lipnowski.

Investing in the future of management research

The opening ceremony brought together Asper faculty, staff, students, and alumni, the business community, academics, and supporters who made the establishment of the space possible.

Bruno Silvestre (Dean of the Asper School of Business and CPA Manitoba Chair in Business Leadership) spoke at the event, emphasizing the inspiring support from the lab’s major donors, Stu Clark and David Dreman.

“At the Asper School, we take pride in leading relevant, impactful, and transformative research, and the David Dreman Behavioural Management Lab is a key part of that work. This facility, the best of its kind in Canada, supports interdisciplinary research, fostering collaboration among faculty, researchers, and industry professionals so we can tackle the complex challenges of a shifting business landscape.

“Thank you to our generous donors, for allowing us to turn this dream into reality. David Dreman [BComm/57, LLD/99], alum of the Asper School, provided the funds for the construction of the Lab. And obviously Stu Clark, who has generously supported the School with this transformative gift for the Lab to operate in perpetuity.”

Four individuals cut a ribbon
Michael Benarroch, Stu Clark, Bruno Silvestre, and Suzanne Gagnon. Photo by David Lipnoski.

Research from the Asper School of Business influences business and leadership in Canada and throughout the world. Explore our graduate research programs today, and learn more about pursuing in-depth management studies with access to top-tier mentorship, professional development, and funding opportunities.