Frank Sidney Jones, professor emeritus of urban affairs, dies at 93
The first African American to receive tenure at MIT, Jones championed greater diversity and inclusion at the Institute and beyond.
Professor Emeritus Richard “Dick” Eckaus, who specialized in development economics, dies at 96
Deeply respected advisor, educator, mentor, and former department head was a founding member of the MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change and committed to helping others rise out of poverty.
Visualizing migration stories
“Distance Unknown,” an exhibition by MIT’s Civic Data Design Lab, documents the often challenging journeys migrants undertake to gain economic opportunity and food security.
Getting innovative products to rural communities
MIT spinout Essmart has created a supply chain to help local retail shops in rural India sell life-improving products.
Fighting poverty with direct cash payments
The alumni-founded GiveDirectly has delivered over $500 million in cash to impoverished people, letting recipients decide how best to meet their needs.
J-PAL expands evidence-to-policy government partnerships to fight poverty worldwide
In collaboration with Community Jameel and Co-Impact, rigorous research will inform social policies and programs.
J-PAL North America launches two partnership opportunities to research social programs
Evaluation Incubators to provide technical assistance, training, funding to help partners design randomized evaluations of housing stability strategies and state and local programs.
Helping cassava farmers by extending crop life
CassVita, founded by an MIT alumnus, has created a biotechnology to increase the shelf life of cassava, a nutritious but perishable root vegetable.
Intensive visiting nurse program doesn't impact birth outcomes, says ongoing study
First results underscore the urgent need for a better understanding of how to address inequities in birth outcomes.
Building a decentralized bank for micro businesses in Latin America
Alumni-founded Quipu Market offers loans and other financial services to entrepreneurs through its online marketplace.
Bringing hope and transformation to the Democratic Republic of Congo
MIT political science master’s student Milain Fayulu is building brands to bring change to his home country.
What rigorous evidence has to say about summer youth employment programs
New J-PAL North America publication helps policymakers understand summer programs’ wide-ranging benefits, in such areas as criminal justice involvement, education, and development.
Springing people from the poverty trap
Field experiment in Bangladesh shows the poor simply lack opportunities to gain wealth — but a one-time boost can make a major difference.
J-PAL launches the Egypt Impact Lab to improve lives through evidence-informed policymaking
New collaboration aims to strengthen Egypt’s poverty alleviation policies through rigorous evaluation and innovation.
Designing the built environment through a service lens
Senior Carene Umubyeyi seeks to advance sustainable structural design in her home country of Rwanda and beyond.