Supporting emerging researchers through Economics Pathways
Rigorous research has the power to improve lives. To realize this potential, we need more highly-skilled researchers who can research critical policy questions and turn evidence into action. To advance this need, we are launching Economics Pathways—a targeted effort to empower the next generation of economists researching critical policy questions. Today, we are asking for your support in advancing this ambitious program.
Despite their drive, many talented researchers face steep barriers in accessing the training, mentorship, and funding needed to design and conduct randomized evaluations. Over the last twelve years, J-PAL North America has assisted hundreds of researchers in overcoming these challenges through training, research management, and funding—successfully supporting many early-career scholars in getting important studies off the ground. Hear three of these inspiring stories in the videos featured below.
Motivated by the bright minds in our research network, Economics Pathways will provide emerging scholars with a suite of hands-on experiences and structured resources necessary to succeed as researchers, including:
- Technical training: Introductory workshops to spark interest in economics among high schoolers; data science internships for undergraduates; training for predoctoral scholars and research staff; and advanced RCT design workshops for early to mid-career researchers.
- Mentorship & networking: Personalized guidance for researchers conducting randomized evaluations, including how to apply for and secure research funding, design a randomized evaluation, recruit and collaborate with study partners, and overcome real-world challenges.
- Funding & research management: Financial and practical support to launch independent, high-impact research studies.
We understand firsthand the challenges early-career researchers face. It can be daunting to navigate both the unwritten expectations of academia and the practical challenges of running randomized evaluations. Amy could not have conducted the Oregon Health Insurance Experiment without invaluable mentorship from MIT colleagues experienced in navigating the unique challenges of conducting randomized evaluations in the real world. Inspired by the support she received, Amy co-founded J-PAL North America to expand access to these essential resources to researchers beyond her own academic community.
Matt's first randomized evaluation, done before J-PAL North America existed, was so difficult that he thought he’d never do a randomized evaluation again. J-PAL North America’s support was so transformative for Matt on his second randomized evaluation that he not only continued to run these studies, he also joined Amy as co-scientific director in 2023 to support the launch of more randomized evaluations. Through Economics Pathways, we will make these overarching supports even more broadly accessible, ensuring emerging researchers can thrive.
We invite you to partner with us and contribute to Economics Pathways. Your support will directly empower the next generation of researchers to drive sound, evidence-based policy solutions.
