It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Professor Melvin “Mel” F. Shakun, founder of the Group Decision and Negotiation journal and initiator of the GDN conference series.
Professor Shakun was a visionary scholar whose work profoundly shaped the field of group decision and negotiation. As a long-time faculty member of NYU’s Stern School of Business and later Professor Emeritus, he made lasting contributions to decision sciences, negotiation theory, and systems thinking. Through the founding of the Group Decision and Negotiation journal in 1992 and the launch of the annual international GDN conference, he created a vibrant intellectual community that continues to grow today.
Beyond his academic achievements, Mel will be remembered for his warmth, wisdom, and ability to connect ideas, people, and generations.
His passing is a great loss to the entire GDN community. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.