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Researchers

We work with researchers to generate and disseminate experimental research on pressing policy challenges

IGL aims to lower the key barriers to high-impact experimental research, promote knowledge advancement, and enable more researchers to conduct impactful studies in the fields of science, innovation, productivity, entrepreneurship and economic growth.

At the heart of this work is the IGL Research Network – a thriving global community of over 250 academic researchers interested in running randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in innovation, science, and economic growth.  The goal of the network is to lower knowledge barriers, support early-career scholars, and ensure more research leads to meaningful social and economic outcomes.

Our work focuses on three core areas: 

Building and nurturing an active experimental research community

One of the main goals of the IGL Research Network is to build and support a diverse community of experimental researchers ,enabling peer-to-peer learning, and reducing barriers to knowledge on experimental methods.

At the heart of this effort is the Conference on Field Experiments in Strategy (CFXS), an annual event co-hosted with Professors Hyunjin Kim, Rembrand Koning, and Sharique Hasan, which brings together researchers from around the world to share the latest insights from experimental research. As part of CFXS, and in line with our broader commitment to shaping the future of experimental research, we support early-career scholars through dedicated PhD Workshops and an active PhD Community. The community hosts monthly sessions where students present their work and receive feedback from both peers and senior scholars. This is complemented by our Mentorship Programme, which connects emerging researchers with experienced academics to help strengthen their research skills and professional networks.

Supporting high-quality research

We also work to reduce barriers to conducting experimental research by offering training, tools, and opportunities for feedback and peer learning.

Our bi-monthly Experimentation Webinar Series gives researchers a platform to share trial results and trial designs, with structured feedback from discussants and live Q&A. We also run a yearly Masterclass Series, developed in collaboration with the CFXS organisers, which offers an online course on how to design and run field experiments in science, innovation, and productivity. Delivered by leading academics, the course provides practical guidance and behind-the-scenes insights into experimental research, and is tailored for researchers seeking hands-on knowledge to design and implement field trials.

In addition, we maintain and continuously update a series of resources including: 

Catalysing impactful research

Finally, we support researchers in turning promising ideas into real-world experiments through collaboration, funding, and recognition -expanding the reach and application of experimental research. 

Through targeted matchmaking, we connect researchers with policymakers and IGL partners to co-develop policy-relevant trials. These collaborations ensure that experimental evidence informs better decisions and more effective practices.

Our Seed Grants also support researchers in developing and piloting innovative experimental ideas through both funding and feedback to support their trial design before launching their study. We also recognise excellence through our Annual Prizes, which celebrate three outstanding experimental studies each year for their contribution to the field and broader impact.

Together, these initiatives aim to ensure more experimental research is implemented, recognised, and used to generate real-world change.

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