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News, ideas, and analysis from J-PAL staff and affiliated professors. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive monthly email updates.

Gustavo Bobonis in front of fence and trees

Affiliate Spotlight: Gustavo J. Bobonis on advancing evidence generation and use in Puerto Rico

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In this Evidence Champion series, J-PAL North America is recognizing individuals in our network who have made extraordinary contributions to the field of evidence-based policymaking. This piece features the work of Gustavo J. Bobonis, our inaugural researcher recipient. Gustavo is a professor of...
A woman gives a lecture and gestures with her hands.

Affiliate Spotlight: Raquel Bernal on early childhood education and the importance of lifelong learning

Raquel Bernal is Professor of Economics and President of Universidad de los Andes in Colombia. In this Affiliate Spotlight, she shares more about her path to development economics and her research on early childhood education.
Two girls doing schoolwork at desk

Affiliate Spotlight: Selim Gulesci on entrepreneurship, gender, and the policymaking process

This affiliate spotlight features reflections from Selim Gulesci on his research surrounding gender, labor, and economics, and touches on his new role of Scientific Advisor for J-PAL Africa’s Girls’ Education and Empowerment portfolio.
A group of five women stand in front of a historical fort.

Affiliate Spotlight: Simone Schaner on lessons learned from advancing evidence-based policy

Simone Schaner is an associate professor (research) of economics at the University of Southern California and co-chair of the Inclusive Financial Innovation Initiative. Simone’s interests revolve around decision-making processes within households, especially related to financial access, health care...
Monica Martinez-Bravo stands against a white backdrop.

Affiliate Spotlight: Monica Martinez-Bravo on advancing evidence use in Spanish policymaking

Monica Martinez-Bravo is an associate professor at the Center for Monetary and Financial Studies (CEMFI) in Madrid, Spain. Monica’s research interests lie at the intersection of political economy and economic development.
Robert Darko Osei stands under a wood structure with a mule in the background.

Affiliate Spotlight: Robert Darko Osei on the intersection of agriculture, technology, and development

Robert Darko Osei is an associate professor at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research and Dean for the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Ghana. Robert also serves as co-chair of the Digital Agricultural Innovations and Services Initiative (DAISI), which funds...
Elizabeth Linos is smiling for the camera in a short sleeve blue shirt standing against a brick wall

Affiliate Spotlight: Elizabeth Linos on understanding evidence use in government

In this Affiliate Spotlight, Elizabeth Linos, Faculty Director of The People Lab at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, discusses her research interests in understanding the government workforce, improving service delivery, and improving the process of evidence-based policymaking.
J-PAL Affiliate Enrique Seira stands with trees and grass in the background.

Affiliate Spotlight: Enrique Seira on finding ways to improve access to justice in Mexico

Enrique Seira is a professor of economics at Michigan State University and founder of Qué Funciona para el Desarollo. He utilizes his research on courts, democracy, corruption, and credit markets to help steer the policy space in Mexico toward more rigorous evidence use.