Dr David Halpern

MA, PhD (Cam), CBE

As an academic, my interests include social capital (norms and networks that form the 'glue' that hold societies and communities together); human behaviour; and mental health and well-being. As an analyst and policy adviser within Labour, Coalition and Conservative governments, I have worked across many policy areas including crime, public health, education, economic growth, and cohesion. At the Behavioural Insights Team (originally set up in 10 Downing Street), my team conducted over 1,000 RCTs and research studies across more than 70 countries. I am currently serving on the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods, and the Commission on Community and Cohesion.

A key theme of my work has been to bridge between the academic and policy worlds, notably through the better use of evidence and evaluation, including as the National What Works Adviser; through the creation of the UK's What Works Centres and the Evaluation Task Force; the founding of the Institute for Government; and through the 'Options' for Britain programs (1996, 2009, 2024).

Strengthening the bridges between the academic and policy worlds - harnessing evidence for impact - remains central to my work and the Downing Battcock Institute.