The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is a global research center working to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence. Anchored by a network of more than 1,000 researchers at universities around the world, J-PAL conducts randomized impact evaluations to answer critical questions in the fight against poverty.
The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is a global research center working to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence. Anchored by a network of more than 1,000 researchers at universities around the world, J-PAL conducts randomized impact evaluations to answer critical questions in the fight against poverty.
Our affiliated professors are based at over 120 universities and conduct randomized evaluations around the world to design, evaluate, and improve programs and policies aimed at reducing poverty. They set their own research agendas, raise funds to support their evaluations, and work with J-PAL staff on research, policy outreach, and training.
Our research, policy, and training work is fundamentally better when it is informed by a broad range of perspectives.
Policy Manager, J-PAL Europe
Michael Braun is a Policy Manager at J-PAL Europe where he works on the labor market sector in Europe as well as on J-PAL’s relationships with European policymakers. Within J-PAL, Michael coordinates the Chair on Development Methodologies held by J-PAL co-founders Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo, a collaboration between Agence Française de Développement, Paris School of Economics and Paris Sciences et Lettres.
Prior to joining J-PAL in 2023, Michael worked at the International Labour Organization in Geneva, initially focusing on the European region before moving to employment policy at the global level, in particular related to skills and employability topics. Michael previously worked for the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs in Berlin, and as an employment lawyer in London.
Michael holds a double bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Cambridge and Université Panthéon-Assas Paris II, a master’s degree from New York University School of Law as well as a master’s degree in public policy from the Hertie School in Berlin. Michael is fluent in English, French, German, and has a working knowledge of Spanish.