The last decade and a half have seen twin revolutions in policymaking – the rise of behavioural insights as a tool used by governments around the world, and the increasing use of randomised controlled trials and other “what works” methods, previously reserved to medicine, across the social policy spectrum.
As the first Chief Scientist of the Behavioural Insights Team (also known as the world's first nudge unit), and as Chief Executive of one of the UK Government's What Works Centres, and advisor to several more, Professor Michael Sanders has been an active participant in both of these changes.
In his inaugural lecture, he will share what he has learned from conducting more than 600 trials across the policy spectrum and around the world.
With a research agenda that began giving sweets to investment bankers and now focuses on social justice, homelessness, and poverty alleviation, Sanders’ lecture will reflect on the progress that has been made towards a truly evidence-based approach to policymaking, and what's next for these two important, but incomplete, revolutions.
The event will be chaired by David Halpern, President Emeritus of the Behavioural Insights Team and Visiting Professor at the Policy Institute.
