Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab

J-PAL's mission is to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is based on scientific evidence. J-PAL works to achieve this by:

Conducting Rigorous Impact Evaluations

J-PAL researchers conduct randomized evaluations to test and improve the effectiveness of programs and policies aimed at reducing poverty. There are more than 302 evaluations that have been either completed or are ongoing.

Building Capacity

J-PAL provides expertise to people interested in rigorous program evaluation, and training to others on how to conduct randomized evaluations.

Impacting Policy

J-PAL’s policy group performs cost-effectiveness analysis to identify the most effective ways to achieve policy goals, disseminates this knowledge to policymakers, and works with governments, NGOs, foundations, and international development organizations to promote the scale-up of highly effective policies and programs around the world.

Regional offices & Programs

J-PAL is organized both by regional offices and by research themes called Programs. J-PAL's headquarters is a center within the Economics Department of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), with regional offices in Africa, Europe, Latin America, and South Asia that are hosted by a local university. J-PAL's Programs include Agriculture, Education, Energy and Environment, Finance, Health, Labor Markets, and Political Economy and Governance. These regional offices and Programs are directed by members of the J-PAL Board, which is composed of J-PAL affiliates and senior management. However, J-PAL's affiliated professors set their own research agenda and raise funds to support their evaluations.