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Societal impact with behavioral insights

Semester

Semester 2, 2024-2025

Type of course

Methodological and Practical Courses

Date

June 16, 2025

Location

Leiden University

Duration

1 day

Maximum number of participants

15

ECTS

0.5 EC will be appointed for participation in the complete course

Staff

Jessanne Mastop (Dutch Authority for Consumers & Markets), Mike Keesman (Ministry of Justice of Security)

Content

Over the years, more behavioral scientists have started to advice the government from a university position. In addition, more behavioral scientists (with a PhD) have started to work as an behavioral science advisor within the government. But what does advising on behavioral science entail in practice? What skills and knowledge are required to be effective? This module broadens our perspective on doing behavioral science research and applying this in the development, implementation and supervision of public policy.

Within the Dutch national government, there are about 300 colleagues who work as a behavioral science advisor. They are united in the Behavioral Insights Netwerk Nederland (BIN NL). BIN NL has knowledge exchange among behavioral advisors, further professionalising and mainstreaming behavioral public policy as its main goals.  

What is it like to work outside academia and to advice on public policy from a behavioral insights perspective? 

  • Doing fundamental behavioral science research vs doing applied behavioral science research (e.g. measuring too much, complexity, stakeholder management).
  • Practical barriers for advising outside academia. (e.g. tender limits, timeline, non-disclosure agreements)
  • Your role as an advisors vs a researcher (e.g. the language outside academia, making impact, inspiring non-academics to work with you)
  • Added value of a PhD and possible barriers that having a PhD brings to working in public policy
  • Room for questions and discussion 

Translating theory to Dutch practice

  • Examples in the Dutch practice of behavioral public policy
  • Pitch and/or discuss the prepared practical case
  • Feedback on the practical case and improving the advice
  • Reflecting on doing applied behavioral science research during or after your PhD  

Preparation