Behavioural Public Policy

Why Policy Design Must Account for the Psychology of Compliance Policies designed to encourage people to speak up – from whistleblower protections to conflict-of-interest disclosures – often fail because they address informational barriers, not social ones. Effective policy must reduce the social cost of dissent, not just permit it.

Why Policy Design Must Account for the Psychology of Compliance

Policies designed to encourage people to speak up – from whistleblower protections to conflict-of-interest disclosures – often fail because they address informational barriers, not social ones. Effective policy must reduce the social…

The ‘rationality wars’ in BPP: Why they persist and how to move beyond them Is Behavioural Public Policy (BPP) about correcting biased decisions or working with people’s adaptive heuristics? This blog argues the 'rationality wars' are not new, and the plurality of rationality can be an asset.

The ‘rationality wars’ in BPP: Why they persist and how to move beyond them

Is Behavioural Public Policy (BPP) about correcting biased decisions or working with people’s adaptive heuristics? This blog argues the 'rationality wars' are not new, and the plurality of rationality can be an asset.

Can a digital nudge clean up the streets? How Behavioural Science helped reduce littering in the UK Littering is one of those persistent public problems that often feels unsolvable. Campaigns urging people to "do the right thing" rarely lead to lasting behaviour change, and enforcement is costly. A behaviourally-informed digital intervention is tested and shown to shift public habits more effectively.

Can a digital nudge clean up the streets? How Behavioural Science helped reduce littering in the UK

Littering is one of those persistent public problems that often feels unsolvable. Campaigns urging people to "do the right thing" rarely lead to lasting behaviour change, and enforcement is costly.…

Getting people to the door, and through it: Lessons on improving take-up of public programs Public programs often struggle to reach the people they are meant to help. In this blog post, Christian Schimpf, Vince Hopkins, Priscilla Fisher, and Jeff Dorion explain how behaviourally-informed email messages can successfully encourage enrolment in employment services.

Getting people to the door, and through it: Lessons on improving take-up of public programs

Public programs often struggle to reach the people they are meant to help. In this blog post, Christian Schimpf, Vince Hopkins, Priscilla Fisher, and Jeff Dorion explain how behaviourally-informed email…

Promoting Our Better Angels in Public Life: Can we Nudge People Honest? Much of public life is built on the assumption we act honestly with one another and with the state. But self-interest and wider perceptions of corruption and trust might lead to dishonest behaviour. Can we encourage more honesty through a simple nudge?

Promoting Our Better Angels in Public Life: Can we Nudge People Honest?

Much of public life is built on the assumption we act honestly with one another and with the state. But self-interest and wider perceptions of corruption and trust might lead to dishonest behaviour. Can we encourage more…

Giving Workers a Voice Boosts Productivity What if the secret to boosting productivity isn’t stricter rules or higher pay, but something as simple as giving workers a voice? Sherry Jueyu Wu shares a field experiment from the production floors of a Chinese factory, which asked whether participatory meetings – in which workers spoke and supervisors listened – could increase productivity. The answer is yes. These findings challenge conventional wisdom about hierarchy and efficiency, and suggest that voice may be a powerful yet underutilized tool for organizations.

Giving Workers a Voice Boosts Productivity

What if the secret to boosting productivity isn’t stricter rules or higher pay, but something as simple as giving workers a voice? Sherry Jueyu Wu shares a field experiment from the production floors of a Chinese factory, which asked whether participatory…

Beyond Simplistic Narratives: The META-BI Framework for Nudges in Behavioural Public Policy When we talk about behavioural interventions, we often need to simplify complex concepts, but this can leave critical questions unanswered. The META-BI framework provides shared terminology to foster clearer and more productive behavioural science discussions, across disciplines and with practitioners.

Beyond Simplistic Narratives: The META-BI Framework for Nudges in Behavioural Public Policy

When we talk about behavioural interventions, we often need to simplify complex concepts, but this can leave critical questions unanswered. The META-BI framework provides shared terminology to foster…

How Can We Personalise Nudges? A one-size-fits-all approach to nudging can be ineffective, or even backfire. Personalising nudges is a way of recognising and acting upon known heterogeneity across and within groups of people to deliver successful behaviour change.

How Can We Personalise Nudges?

A one-size-fits-all approach to nudging can be ineffective, or even backfire. Personalising nudges is a way of recognising and acting upon known heterogeneity across and within groups of people to deliver successful behaviour change.

Algorithms and Autonomy: Regulating Recommender Systems in the Age of Hyper-Nudging Recommender systems are online algorithms that can help users, reducing complexity and search costs. But they also target and exploit behavioral biases. Recommender systems lend themselves to regulation through 'budges'.

Algorithms and Autonomy: Regulating Recommender Systems in the Age of Hyper-Nudging

Recommender systems are online algorithms that can help users, reducing complexity and search costs. But they also target and exploit behavioral biases. Recommender systems lend themselves to regulation through…

When and how behavior change can accelerate system change (and vice versa): Mapping reciprocal processes for climate change mitigation System change and individual behavior change are often conceptualized as mutually exclusive strategies for climate change mitigation – but what if this duality is misguided? Denise de Ridder and Sander Thomaes map four pathways illustrating that system change is effective when it promotes behavior change and vice versa.

When and how behavior change can accelerate system change (and vice versa): Mapping reciprocal processes for climate change mitigation

System change and individual behavior change are often conceptualized as mutually exclusive strategies for climate change mitigation – but what if this duality is…

Beyond Technical Safeguards: Human Behaviour is the Missing Piece in AI Safety AI safety discussions predominantly focus on easy to conceptualise, highly salient risks including algorithm bias, hallucinations and disinformation. While these are crucial concerns, they overlook a fundamental truth we've learned from other high-stakes fields like aviation and healthcare: sometimes the most dangerous risks can hide in plain sight. Dr Moira Nicolson and Holly Marquez (Government Communications, Cabinet Office, UK Government) introduce a framework for anticipating and managing these risks, supporting a safer rollout of AI use in the public sector and beyond.

Beyond Technical Safeguards: Human Behaviour is the Missing Piece in AI Safety

AI safety discussions predominantly focus on easy to conceptualise, highly salient risks including algorithm bias, hallucinations and disinformation. While these are crucial concerns, they overlook a fundamental truth…

IBPPA Blog: Reflections from the 2025 Singapore Workshop From keynote visions of ‘Behavioural AI’ to field experiments on job matching and green transport, the 2025 BPP Workshop in Singapore showcased how rigorous behavioural science meets real-world policy. Two days blended cross-disciplinary panels, data-rich case studies and Marina Bay networking, sparking fresh collaborations across sustainability, labour, finance and AI.

IBPPA Blog: Reflections from the 2025 Singapore Workshop

From keynote visions of ‘Behavioural AI’ to field experiments on job matching and green transport, the 2025 BPP Workshop in Singapore showcased how rigorous behavioural science meets real-world policy. Two days blended cross-disciplinary…

Yes we can! Collective action framing increases support for hard climate policies What if climate communication could enhance support for unpopular but necessary policies? Valerie Dewaelheyns and colleagues show that collective action framing can increase public acceptance of climate adaptation policies and strengthen citizens' belief in society's collective power to tackle climate change.

Yes we can! Collective action framing increases support for hard climate policies

What if climate communication could enhance support for unpopular but necessary policies? Valerie Dewaelheyns and colleagues show that collective action framing can increase public acceptance of climate adaptation…

From AC to me: Can social norms encourage personal cooling in Chinese offices? As global temperatures rise, so does our reliance on air conditioning (AC), which accounts for 7% of global electricity use in 2022. But what if the solution to sustainable cooling is not just about better AC technology to cool the entire space, but about changing our behaviour to cooling ourselves? Maggie Yang explores how social norms can encourage office workers in China to adopt personal cooling strategies, potentially saving energy while maintaining comfort.

From AC to me: Can social norms encourage personal cooling in Chinese offices?

As global temperatures rise, so does our reliance on air conditioning (AC), which accounts for 7% of global electricity use in 2022. But what if the solution to sustainable cooling is not just about better AC technology…

How can academia and government work together better to make evidence-based policy? Academics and civil servants have an interest in effective collaboration and “knowledge exchange”, including the sharing of ideas, evidence and expertise. However, the two sectors have different ways of operating and different – sometimes competing – goals. If they can understand each other better, then they can get the most out of working together.

How can academia and government work together better to make evidence-based policy?

Academics and civil servants have an interest in effective collaboration and “knowledge exchange”, including the sharing of ideas, evidence and expertise. However, the two sectors have different ways of operating…

Nudging Tax Compliance in Pakistan: Lessons from a Large-Scale Text Message Experiment

Tax compliance remains a thorny issue for governments worldwide—especially in developing countries where informal economic activity, mistrust in government, and limited enforcement capacity create persistent…

Seeing is believing: Information does not impact polluting behaviour, unless you can see it  Air pollution is a worldwide challenge. Despite the serious environmental and health effects, pollution can go unnoticed until very dangerous levels are reached. Rita Abdel Sater, Mathieu Perona, Elise Huillery and Coralie Chevallier use a novel and safe method to make pollution more visible, and demonstrate that personalised feedback can change household behaviours. The Great Smog of London: when pollution became impossible to ignore…

Seeing is believing: Information does not impact polluting behaviour, unless you can see it 

Air pollution is a worldwide challenge. Despite the serious environmental and health effects, pollution can go unnoticed until very dangerous levels are reached. Rita Abdel Sater, Mathieu Perona, Elise…

From Resistance to Acceptance: Making Climate Policies Work for People The IPCC suggest that a further 40-70% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions could be achieved with more extensive sustainable behaviour change. Yet, when this change impinges on our daily lives, some initial pushback is inevitable. This article explores how trust, fairness, and transparency create conditions in which people feel confident to embrace lifestyle changes to benefit their own health and the future of the planet.

From Resistance to Acceptance: Making Climate Policies Work for People

The IPCC suggest that a further 40-70% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions could be achieved with more extensive sustainable behaviour change. Yet, when this change impinges on our daily lives, some initial pushback is…

The Ethics of Behavioural Public Policy in Practice: A Study on Policy Makers’ Views Mathieu Prevelato introduces a new study exploring policy makers’ views on the ethics of behavioural public policy, and invites feedback on it.

The Ethics of Behavioural Public Policy in Practice: A Study on Policy Makers’ Views

Mathieu Prevelato introduces a new study exploring policy makers’ views on the ethics of behavioural public policy, and invites feedback on it.

Every little hurts: Even small amounts of ‘sludge’ undermine the adoption of environmentally friendly business practices Policymakers often introduce programs to encourage businesses to adopt environmentally friendly practices. But even minor administrative hurdles - known as "sludge" - can significantly reduce take-up of sustainable practices. Manuel Grieder, Deborah Kistler and Jan Schmitz draw on a field experiment with Swiss firms and offer ways forward.

Every little hurts: Even small amounts of ‘sludge’ undermine the adoption of environmentally friendly business practices

Policymakers often introduce programs to encourage businesses to adopt environmentally friendly practices. But even minor administrative hurdles - known as "sludge" - can…

Corporate needs you to handle misinformation yourself – behavioural science can help Misinformation thrives in an environment where platform providers shape the rules yet evade responsibility. As companies like Meta and X dismantle fact-checking and relax content moderation, users are left to navigate a fragmented and often deceptive digital landscape. But behavioural science offers solutions. In this blog, Christoph M. Abels walks us through the strategies that help individuals critically assess information, resist manipulation, and adapt to a world where platforms no longer seriously attempt to verify content for accuracy.

Corporate needs you to handle misinformation yourself – behavioural science can help

Misinformation thrives in an environment where platform providers shape the rules yet evade responsibility. As companies like Meta and X dismantle fact-checking and relax content moderation, users are left to…

Conserving nothing but trouble? Ivo Vlaev and Marco J Haenssgen argue that research and policy collaboration with indigenous communities is key to long term conservation success.

Conserving nothing but trouble?

Ivo Vlaev and Marco J Haenssgen argue that research and policy collaboration with indigenous communities is key to long term conservation success.

Happy new year 2025 from the IBPPA!

In our first blogpost of 2025, Leonhard Lades and Kate Laffan look ahead to the exciting events and opportunities for the IBPPA community. Hope you can join us! Get involved, stay informed, become a member. A lot is happening in the world of behavioural public…

Why New Year’s resolutions matter: The psychology behind the tradition Ivo Vlaev, Professor of Behavioural Science, University of Warwick New Year’s resolutions represent more than just a fleeting tradition; they offer a powerful opportunity for self-reflection and in…

bppblog.com/2024/12/31/w...

Why New Year’s resolutions matter: The psychology behind the tradition Ivo Vlaev, Professor of Behavioural Science, University of Warwick New Year’s resolutions represent more than just a fleeting tradition; they offer a powerful opportunity for self-reflection and intentional growth. Rooted in six fundamental psychological needs shared by all humans, resolutions serve as a catalyst for meaningful change. Here’s why they matter and how they can transform lives. 1. Reflection and Growth…

Why New Year’s resolutions matter: The psychology behind the tradition

Ivo Vlaev, Professor of Behavioural Science, University of Warwick New Year’s resolutions represent more than just a fleeting tradition; they offer a powerful opportunity for self-reflection and intentional growth. Rooted in…

International Behavioural Public Policy Association | IBPPA The International Behavioural Public Policy Association provides an umbrella organisation for all those who are involved and/or interested in the growing multidisciplinary field of behavioural public ...

In 2025 my colleagues Manu Savani (Brunel) & Andriy Ivchenko (LSE) will run these BPP accounts for @cambridgeup.bsky.social. We're looking forward to the year. Do think about joining the IBPPA. See you at our 2025 events
Tony @tonyhockley.bsky.social (LSE)

www.ibppa.org

Meat, masculinity & freedom; a challenge for behavioural policy Rob Velzeboer, University of British Columbia Excessive meat consumption is increasingly scrutinised for its impacts on the environment, animal welfare, and public health. Men’s consumption of meat…

Meat, masculinity & freedom; a challenge for behavioural policy bppblog.com/2024/12/26/m...

#behavsci #behaviouralscience #masculinity #menshealth #climatechange #meat #veganuary

Some very tempting titles on this list

Do read this really engaging new article on our Firstview page. @chiaravara.bsky.social & Cale Hubble reflect on the state-of-play in BPP and the areas of challenge ahead. This draws on a huge amount of practical policy experience around the world👇
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...

The new Behavioural Sciences and Technology hub at UTS has two fully funded PhD positions available! More information on
www.uts.edu.au/about/gradua...