Dean Karlan

Welcome! My research agenda focuses on using randomized evaluations to learn what social policies work, what do not, and why. Most of my work is in developing countries and typically examines efforts to improve financial inclusion for the poor. Other research covers charitable fundraising, voting, education and behavioral economics. I’m leading or involved with the following research initiatives: Global Financial Inclusion Initiative (covers both developing and developed countries) Small and Medium Enterprise (developing countries) Targeting the Ultra Poor, a Social Safety Net Program for the Ultra Poor (developing countries) Innovations for Poverty Action and the M.I.T. Jameel Poverty Action Lab coordinate most of my field research.