Where research meets policy for social and economic progress.
We believe policy should be shaped by rigorous, data-driven research that puts people first.
Our model is rooted in research-practice partnerships, working with partners around the globe to understand the challenges their communities face. We use data-driven research to co-develop workable solutions, to rigorously test them in programs and policies, and iterate as necessary.
Research Partnerships
We conduct collaborative, on-the-ground research across five continents.
Featured Projects
Our research supports real-world policy initiatives that address inequities and shed light on challenges faced by marginalized people.
Policy Partners
Our partners are governments at all levels, civil society groups, nonprofits, and anyone working to improve the lives of marginalized people.
Latest News
Visit our news page to see the latest Forward Society (FOS) Lab announcements and updates.
New Literature Review on EdTech
FOS Affiliate Philip Oreopoulos co-edited this new VoxDev literature review on edtech in low- and middle-income countries.
Temporary Foreign Workers Switch Jobs and Earn More After Becoming Permanent Residents
Insights from FOS Affiliate Kory Kroft and co-authors in The Globe and Mail, illuminating how permanent residency can unlock economic mobility for temporary foreign workers in Canada.
Can Anti-Corruption Campaigns Reduce Vote Buying? Lessons from Brazil’s Municipal Audits
Insights into Brazil's elections: a VoxDev column by Gustavo Bobonis, Paul Gertler, Marco Gonzalez-Navarro & Simeon Nichter examining how transparency initiatives can weaken clientelism.
Events
We host seminars, workshops, and conferences.
Unconditional Cash Transfers and Social Safety Net Programs in North America
This event explored the rapidly growing body of research around guaranteed income, unconditional cash transfers, and other programs in the United States and Canada
Causal Inference Across Fields: Methods, Insights, & Applications
This workshop seeks to establish research collaboration between data scientists, experts in causal inference, and applied researchers to address challenges faced by policymakers.